David Fridell 2012 Employee of the Year

The City of St Augustine reported to Historic City News that David Fridell, a utility technician in the Transmission and Distribution Division of the Public Works Department, has been selected as Employee of the Year for 2012.

The award was presented by City Manager John Regan at the city’s annual service awards presentation.

Regan agreed that Fridell was deserving of the recognition, saying, “David is an excellent example of an employee who is working his way up the ranks and still finds time to give back to his community as a volunteer.”

Prior to working with the city, he and his brother framed homes. It was his carpentry skills that helped him as a volunteer for “Homes for Troops” where he helped construct a new home for a disabled veteran living in St. Augustine.

Fridell came to work for the city in 2007 as a utility worker. Within his first year, he was promoted. His current position includes responsibility for valve and hydrant maintenance and flushing programs which places him on the front line of the continuing challenge of red water.

“David has risen to the challenge in every instance, taking his job seriously,” said Martha Graham, Public Works director. “He has developed a detailed knowledge of the city’s complex water distribution system; which is now, and will continue to be, extremely valuable to the city as we move forward towards the elimination of red water.”

Each department head may nominate an employee to receive the Employee of the Year recognition. The selection is made by a committee of former award recipients. The winner each year receives a commemorative plaque, a reserved parking space for one year, and a retail gift certificate.