Fix Awarded Operator Meritorious Award
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAmanda Sindelar/City of Atkinson
City of Atkinson Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ronald “Scott” Fix and League of Nebraska Municipalities Training Coordinator Rob Pierce.By Amanda Sindelar
Atkinson Economic Development Director
City of Atkinson Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ronald “Scott” Fix was honored with the Nebraska Section-American Works (AWWA) coveted “Operator Meritorious Service Award” for more than 38 years of dedicated service to his community.
“His dedication to the public not only was in the water industry but also the wastewater, solid waste, streets, along with other tasks within the community. Not only does he continuously maintain existing equipment but within the last few years took on the technical challenges of monitoring and managing a new wastewater treatment facility. Scott has worked to ensure Atkinson has an adequate quantity and quality of safe drinking water while helping keep compliance with public health standards,” 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. The award is designed to “recognize members of the Nebraska Section of AWWA who, over the years, have untiringly served the waterworks industry.”
Submitted by City of Atkinson Utilities Superintendent Gary Thurlow, accomplishments noted in his award nomination included assisting with the following projects in Atkinson:
“Scott has worked for the City of Atkinson since 1985. He started as a landfill operator, then moved into working on street grading and other items,” Thurlow said. “He has continued to take the steps to learn the knowledge to now manage the wastewater treatment plant.”
Other accomplishments noted include Fix completing the requirements to become a Grade 6 backflow operator and tester, Grade 4 water operator, and Grade 2 wastewater operator.
“In July 2014, we shut down the old mechanical plant, and set water to the new plant. The company gave us three days of training. For a seniored employee, he was willing to learn the new technology,” Thurlow said. “He also takes great pride in having a clean working area as well as equipment. Though there were complications, he was able to communicate with specialist to solve any that came forth.”
“In the summer he also assisted with our city maintenance items not included in his job description such as mowing, weed eating, fixing equipment and other items,” he added.