The City of El Dorado recognized six staff members for their years of service during the recent City Commission meeting this week.
Each year the city recognizes employees who have reached milestones in five-year increments.
The first person recognized this year was Ken Huffman, who is the IT manager for the City of El Dorado. Huffman came to the city as a contractor after the city had a vacancy in the IT manager position. He was then hired on full-time. Now he manages the IT systems for all of the city departments. He has been with the city for 10 years.
The next to be recognized was Darcia Beavers, who is the solid waste coordinator and Public Works administrative assistant. Beavers started with Public Works as an administrative secretary. While working for the city, she achieved her CDL so she could be ready to take over the position as solid waste coordinator if it came open. Now she serves in her dual role. She has been with the city for 15 years.
Another 15-year employee is Fire Captain Shane McCoy. He began as a firefighter in 2007 and worked his way through the ranks to captain, which he received earlier this year. He is responsible for building maintenance, tool repair, hydrant testing, virtual monthly training and assists with department inventory.
Also reaching the 15-year milestone is Jason Patty, Public Utilities Director. He spent most of his time with the city working at the Wetlands and Water Reclamation Facility, where he served as superintendent for many years. During his time there, the facility received nine Wastewater Plant of the Year awards for the State of Kansas. Now he oversees wastewater, water distribution, wastewater collection and water treatment.
Pat Fountain also has been with the city for 15 years, spending all of his years in the Public Utilities Department at the Wetland and Water Reclamation Facility. He started as an operator and successfully passed all of KDHE’s testing to earn his Class IV wastewater certification. He is currently the chief operator at the Wetlands.
Reaching his 20-year mark is Rodney Reed, Public Works signs and signals technician. Reed started in wastewater before transferring to Public Works. He is in charge of signs and signals, tornado sirens and anything else that he is asked to do. He has achieved his Road Scholars awards levels 1 and 2 and is working on level 3 this year. These are important certifications in public works.
“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all of our employees,” said City Manager David Dillner. “It is great to be able to recognize the employees who have served our community for so many years. They set a great example for everyone else.”