Plymouth Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson was honored Monday night with the 2020 Water Environment Federation William D. Hatfield Award.
Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) Vice President Craig Williams told the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members that Davidson was nominated on the national level.
“This award is in honor of William D. Hatfield, former superintendent of the Decatur, Illinois Sanitary District and recognizes an operator for outstanding service in the field of wastewater treatment through exceptional operation and maintenance, business-like accounting, employee development, and public education and outreach,” stated Williams.
In speaking with several people who know Davidson, Williams said the nomination was warranted.
Williams continued, “I spoke to employees of the nominee who describe a supervisor who encourages his employees to excel in their education and certifications, and listen to employees who suggest many ways to make their work safer and more productive. I heard from city leaders who described a leader who is committed to making sure utility customers were taken care of and that improvements to the utility provided the best value to the city.”
Engineers and contractors also had glowing comments with their work with Davidson.
Davidson stated that he was embarrassed but the recognition but shares the recognition with the Utility Department.
“I feel that this is a utility award,” commented Davidson. “There’s a lot of people I work with day in and day out who really work hard with very little recognition. For me to receive this, I consider this a City of Plymouth utility award. All of their hard work – I’d like to recognize that.”
The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members, along with the Plymouth City Council members, Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver, City Attorney Sean Surrisi, other department heads, and several members of the Utility Department in attendance during Monday night’s meeting congratulated Davidson on his recognition and continued hard work.
