Thurlow Given Water Industry Service Award
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAmanda Sindelar/City of Atkinson
City of Atkinson Utilities Superintendent Gary Thurlow and League of Nebraska Municipalities Training Coordinator Rob Pierce.By Amanda Sindelar
Atkinson Economic Development Director
City of Atkinson Utilities Superintendent Gary Thurlow was honored with the Nebraska Section-American Water Works (AWWA) coveted “Water Industry Service Award” (WISA) for his more than 40 years of dedicated service.
“Of the nominees submitted, Gary was one of six to be selected to receive the 2022 WISA award. This award is designed to recognize members of the Nebraska Section American Water Works Association who, over the years, have untiringly served the Water Works Industry. Gary is a 19-year member of the Nebraska Section AWWA who has served as a trustee and currently serves on the safety committee,” said Rob Pierce, training coordinator for the League of Nebraska Municipalities.
The award was announced during the Nebraska AWWA Conference on Nov. 3 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.
Thurlow has worked for the City of Atkinson since March 1982. Throughout the years he has completed the requirements to become a Grade 3 water operator, Grade 6 backflow operator and tester, and Grade 1 wasterwater operator. He was certified in 2009 to receive his pesticide application certification through the Nebraska Public Health Service. Thurlow also is a member of the executive board of the League of Nebraska Municipalities.
Accomplishments noted in his award nomination included assisting with the following projects in Atkinson:
2015 – Opening of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant
2014 – Completed 115 commercial and 523 residential customers
2012 – Resealing the top of the water storage tower.
2010 – Installed four wells for 150 hydrants
1998 – Installation of the new swimming pool.
1986 – Named supervisor over four employees
1982 – Started working for the city’s maintenance department.