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2021 RMSAWWA Award Winners

The RMSAWWA Awards Committee is excited to introduce you to the 2021 Awards winners.

View the 2021 RMSAWWA Warner Scholarship winners here

Our industry works because of those individuals and teams that work together to achieve excellence.  

Congratulations to all!

 

RALPH M. LEIDHOLDT OUTSTANDING WTP OPERATOR
Robert Magee, Denver Water

 This award is to recognize an outstanding water treatment plant operator within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water treatment plant operator for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 

 

Rob is one of the Operators in Responsible Charge (ORCs) at the Marston Plant, but was previously at the Foothills plant and can be ORC for either plant.  This made him exceptionally valuable during the pandemic and a recent blizzard where it was difficult to get staff to the plants and he was able to report to either plant as needed.  Rob isn’t just a Sr. Operator; he has also participated in developing training modules to familiarize operators with other plants and developing a cross-training program. 

Rob has been a dependable operator at Denver Water for 24 years.  He is always looking for ways to improve and optimize the water treatment plants.  His efforts at optimization helped the Marston WTP receive the Partnership for Safe Water Director’s Award in 2018, as well as winning the Outstanding Large Water Treatment Plant Award the same year. He is always willing to take on new tasks and willingly shares his knowledge and trains newer operators. 

     
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR AWARD
Eric Romero, City of Westminster
 
This award is to recognize an outstanding distribution system operator within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water distribution system operator for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 



Eric has been with the City of Westminster for 6 years where he leads a crew that he has grown into a cohesive group.  He is passionate about his work providing superior customer service, where he helps diagnose, fix, and explain customer issues. He serves on the City’s Safety Committee, started a leak detection and valve survey program, and has completed the City of Westminster’s Leadership Program. Eric’s commitment to his community extends beyond his job and he completed the Citizens Police Academy and has recently become a member of the Army National Guard.

     
OUTSTANDING WTP MAINTENANCE AWARD
Casey DeVol, Town of Castle Rock
 
  Given in recognition of an outstanding water treatment plant maintenance professional for exceptional performance, dedication, and teamwork.  

  
 

Casey has been with the Town of Castle Rock for 9 years and his presence has been felt both at the WTPs and throughout the community and he has received the Town Manager’s Choice Award and the Rock Star Award from the Town of Castle Rock. Casey brings an excellent attitude and is quick to step in and help the team get things done.  He has been the lead mechanic for a variety of projects at both the water treatment plants and on the collection system including: plant start-ups and shutdowns, chemical feed facilities, troubleshooting and rebuilding facilities, emergency plumbing projects, and energy reduction study and working with water resources staff on well rehabilitation.  

 
OUTSTANDING WTP, LARGE
Plum Creek Water Purification Facility, Town of Castle Rock
 
  This award is to recognize an outstanding treatment plant within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water treatment plant for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork.

   

   
The Plum Creek WPF staff is to be congratulated on receiving the Outstanding WTP Award!  Recent accomplishments include:
  • In early 2021, Castle Rock Water completed construction and started-up the advanced water treatment processes at the Plum Creek WPF
  • Although the WPF is currently treating surface water and supply indirect potable reuse, it is designed with direct potable reuse in mind and includes a multi-barrier approach to water treatment.
  • Staff is proactive in maintaining the facility and has received the following State Awards:
    • Pursuing Excellence, Gold Tier recognition 2016 – 2019 followed by the Commitment Award in 2020
    • Environmental Leadership Program, Gold Tier Recognition 2018 – 2020.
 

STATE MEMBERSHIP AWARD
Wyoming

  Awarded for highest growth rate in state membership.
Wyoming showed 2% membership growth.
 
 
   
     
DANA KEPNER AWARD
Deirdre Mueller
 
 Given in recognition of AWWA membership recruitment.

 

 

 

   
 
LYLE D. HERMAN AWARD
Jim Ginley

 Given in recognition of contributions of time and talent to RMSAWWA 

 
     
OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE CHAIR AWARD
James Roche & Patty Brubaker
RMSAWWA Supervisory Leadership Committee Co-Chairs
 
Given to recognize an outstanding committee chair
for their efforts on behalf of the Section
 
                       
 
VOLUNTEER EXCELLENCE AWARD
Kelsey Bicknell & Alfredo Rodriguez
RMSAWWA New Mexico Committee Co-Chairs

Presented to members for volunteer efforts in supporting the mission of RMSAWWA