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City of Columbia Public Works
Columbia, Tennessee

Billy "Skeeter" Allen passed away suddenly on the morning of July 02, 2014, soon after arriving for work as a brush truck operator.

Billy served our country as a highly decorated U.S. Marine, served our community in the Sanitation Department and served at home as a loving Dad to his daughter and 3 fur-babies. He was an avid motorcyclist and active in his local church.

His easy going style and lively story telling is something that is missed by his co-workers.

RIP and rest easy.

Submitted by Donna Osmon.

City of West Bend Water Utility
West Bend, Wisconsin

John Beckmann was working at the West Bend Water Utility when he lost his life on duty working as a public servant. John died a tragic death on July 9, 2002 while repairing a fire hydrant in an open trench. John was working in the open trench cutting a 6 inch watermain when he was fatally injured.

John was 24 years old at the time of his death.

John is greatly missed but never forgotten. Through many generous donations, the West Bend Water Utility has built a memorial honoring John. This memorial, highlighted with a lighted flagpole, is located at the Public Works/Water Utility building and is seen by all who pass by every day.

Department of Public Works
Boston, Massachusetts

Robert B. "Cal" Callery, age 65 of Braintree, MA, died while on duty May 18, 2017 over night in a vehicle accident as a result of suffering a medical complication. Cal was a Highway Supervisor for the Boston Department of Public Works serving the city for 29 years.

Cal was an exceptional athlete and an avid Boston and New England area sports fan but more importantly he was a devoted family man.

"Cal was the happiest spending time with his family"

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Kane County Division of Transportation
St. Charles, Illinois

Steve Chidester, age 44, was struck and killed while performing road repairs in a moving work zone for Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT), Thursday, May 19, 2016. In a blink of an eye, a life was lost, worlds were shattered and in the wake of an inexplicable accident, a devoted wife, loving family and proud parents struggle to carry on. Steve’s loss touches everyone at Kane County and our surrounding community.

Submitted by Carl Schoedel.

City of Cedar Rapids Water Division
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Stephen Cook, 35, of Palo was a Cedar Rapids Water Division employee since 2008 and a volunteer firefighter for the better part of a decade, including for the last four years in Palo.

Stephen Cook died Saturday April 18, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the day after he was thrown from a city van that collided with a truck driven by a Hiawatha man allegedly fleeing police.

'He could do anything. You could have the confidence to get the job done.'

- Palo Fire Chief James Seely

On Stephen Cook as a firefighter

On Sunday, members of the Palo Fire Department swarmed the community and erected more than 90 flags provided by the American Legion in Cook's honor. Palo Fire Chief James Seely described Cook as someone you could count on.

'He was the kind of guy you would want by your side if you were going to go into a raging house fire,' Seely said Sunday. 'He could do anything. You could have the confidence to get the job done.'

And when that job was done, Cook was someone you'd want to sit and have a drink with, Seely said.

'He was super easy to get along with,' he said.

Chris Cook said belonging to the fire department was 'extremely important' to his brother.

'He loved the fire department,' Cook said. 'I think one of the things he liked was teaching the kids about fire safety. That was something that really appealed to him. I think the camaraderie and the ability to really help out people when they were in need was the biggest thing for him. He's always been like that.'

Submitted by Kathy Holmes.

Department of Public Works
Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Warren was dedicated 29 year employee of the Longmeadow, MA Public Works Department serving as a Working Foreman in the Highway Division. He was tragically killed in the line of duty while plowing snow during severe blizzard conditions on March 14, 2017 having been struck by an Amtrak plow train at an uncontrolled grade crossing on a private road plowed by the town. Due to a stuck vehicle on the road "Cowlesie" was in the process of backing over the crossing when hit.

"Cowlesie's 'Get it Done' attitude was infectious. His positive attitude and work ethic brought out the best in everyone he worked with. We'll miss him every day," said Longmeadow DPW Director Mario Mazza in a statement.

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Town of Orangetown
Orangetown, New York

Town of Orangetown employee Gerald Vincent DeMeola died at the age of 22 on December 3, 1974 by accidental drowning while working in the Orangetown Sewer Treatment Plant.

While working on a valve that controlled the Sewer Treatment Tank apparatus, Gerald DeMeola fell through a small opening into the tank.

Submitted by Stephen Munno.

Melrose DPW Parks and Forestry
Melrose, Massachusetts

John Doherty, a member of the public works family passed from injuries sustained while doing the job he loved. John Doherty was a Division Foreman for the City of Melrose, Massachusetts DPW Parks and Forestry Divisions. John passed away on Thursday morning, September 13, 2018. A fourteen-year veteran of the Melrose DPW, John made significant contributions to the City of Melrose through his daily work and pride in his community. When you look around Melrose, at their beautiful parks and playing fields, the grounds of their schools and municipal buildings and the City’s tree canopy you look at John’s work, leadership and dedication. John was a Melrose resident, a loving husband, father and grandfather and an all-around super guy. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues in public works and by the entire Melrose community.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, approximately 180 to 200 (not including the 25 City of Melrose vehicles) public works vehicles participated in a rolling tribute. The vehicles came from throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. They came with one, two or up to 20 trucks from a community. A number of communities pitched in to maintain Melrose public works operations so that Melrose staff could attend both the wake on Tuesday and funeral on Wednesday. Some traveled short distances, and some traveled extremely long distances. Those participating came to honor an individual they did not know but admired as a dedicated public works professional.

Omaha Public Works
Omaha, Nebraska

We'd like to honor our friend and co-worker Salvatore Fidone III who was tragically killed while working on a pothole crew in January 2017. We miss you Sal.

Submitted by Austin Rowser.

Department of Public Works
Plainville, Massachusetts

David B. Fiske, age 57, of Norton, MA died unexpectedly following injuries sustained while operating a mower when the equipment rolled over operating on a slope at a town pump station.

David grew up in Plainville and worked proudly the past 31 years for his hometown as a machine operator. His greatest joy in life was was family, NASCAR and the New England Patriots.

David will always be remembered for his infectious smile and the way he made others around him happy. He truly had a "Heart of Gold."

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Washington State Department of Transportation
Seattle, Washington

I knew Gus almost all my life, growing up in Longmont, Colorado. He was the same age as my older brother, and Gus's brother was the same age as my younger brother. There wasn't anything extraordinary about Gus. He wasn't the jock in high school, or the best musician, or in the Honor 5%. He was extraordinarily ordinary and an all around great guy. Our families grew very close, with frequent get togethers, and with our families skiing and taking vacations together.

After high school, Gus's parents moved to Seattle. There were occasional visits, but not like before. Eventually Gus joined the army and did a tour in Viet Nam. He finished his service and headed home to Seattle for a summer job, before returning to school to get a college degree. His father, Mel, an employee with the Washington State Department of Transportation, was able to get him a summer job with the Department.

Just after midnight, while working on a highway striping crew, Gus was working to remove cones that closed an interstate off ramp. A drunk driver ran into Gus and killed him. He had survived Viet Nam, but he could not survive a drunk driver. He has been gone a long time, but he is not forgotten!

Born April 17, 1947. Died August 31, 1973.

Submitted by John McCarty.

Public Works and Assets
Louisville, Kentucky

We lost co-worker Trent P. Haines to a workplace accident on December 27, 2017. Trent, 52, was the leader of a three-person crew that was loading road salt into the storage dome at the Public Works, West District Roads & Operations facility at the time of the tragedy.

The loss was devastating within Public Works and saddened all Louisville Metro employees. West District Operations Manager, Barry Clyde described Trent as “one of nicest people you’d ever meet,” and said he was “always looking out for everybody.” During a heavily attended remembrance on December 28th at the West District, co-worker after co-worker said they “never saw him angry” during the ten years Trent was with Public Works.

Trent was hired in 2006 as an equipment operator, was promoted in 2009 to senior equipment operator, and in 2012 to crew leader. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, who also attended the remembrance, recalled riding in a snow plow with Trent, and patching potholes with him at the beginnings of those seasons to help draw attention to the work performed by the Snow Team and road maintenance crews. Fischer called Trent’s death “a tragedy for our entire city - and a reminder of the difficult and potentially dangerous work city employees do every day to keep Louisville safe. The tragedy occurred at the salt dome, where employees were serving our citizens by making preparations to keep our roads clean and clear during the holidays. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers.”

Excerpts from a 2014 interview with Jacob Ryan of radio station WFPL-FM: “Snow plow driver Trent Haines laughed when he was asked about last winter. ‘Last year was probably one of the worst winters I’ve seen as far as the time we had to put in,’ said Haines. And he and his colleagues are ready to do it all over again….

Haines said his job is to help people in Louisville. ‘When they’re able to get to work and take care of their families and take care of their job, and you know you had some small part in that, it's gratifying – it really is,’ Haines said. As for family time, Haines said ‘the family knows that pretty much, in the winter, you belong to the city.’ It’s a dangerous job that can, at times, stir fear in drivers, he said....

‘The snow makes the street look different,’ he said. And snow plow drivers always try to be aware of other vehicles on the road. Motorists can help, Haines said, by giving snow plow drivers space and being deliberate in their movements on the roadway. ‘Help us help you,’ Haines said.”

Submitted by Brian Funk.

Chesapeake Public Works
Chesapeake, Virginia

George Harris was a dedicated operator with the Waste Management Division of Chesapeake Public Works. On October 3, 2017 while driving his garbage collection route, a vehicle leading police on a high speed chase collided with his truck, killing him on impact. George left behind a wife and daughter as well as many family members and friends.

Submitted by Elizabeth Vaughn.

Village of Wellington
Wellington, Florida

Tom Hollihan was the kind of person that once you met you would not forget him. Tom always loved to tell a joke, share a story, or just have a conversation and still be one of the hardest workers in our department. Tom was also know as "Crazy Tom" as he always lived life without fear. Tom left us and his family in an accident while on the job. Tom was and always will be a fondly remembered and respected member of Wellington's Public Works Department.

Submitted by Jesse Wright.

South Carolina Department of Transportation

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Secretary Christy Hall has announced that one SCDOT worker was killed and two more were injured in a crash on Highway 178 in Greenwood County near Scotts Ferry Road early Thursday morning, June 10, 2021 The driver of the other vehicle apparently crossed the center line and struck the SCDOT vehicle head-on. The SCDOT crew was on the way to a work site.

Hall said that 59-year-old Charles “Chuck” Kennedy was the driver of the SCDOT vehicle who was killed. Mr. Kennedy had been employed by SCDOT since February of 2020. Two other members of the crew in the vehicle were injured and transported to a local hospital.

Hall said, “Our hearts are broken again as we suffer through another death of an SCDOT Team member and two more who were injured. Our hearts go out to the families. They can be sure that SCDOT will support them in any way possible.”

Mr. Kennedy resided with his family in McCormick. He leaves behind his wife Mary, a son and a daughter and a number of grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman, and a racing fan. He also enjoyed playing golf with his SCDOT teammates at the McCormick Country Club. Family and friends described him as having a great sense of humor, easy to get along with, and very helpful. Those close to him said he was the type of man who “never met a stranger.”

Hall added, “The SCDOT Team will be praying for the victims and families of this crash. We would ask the public to take a moment to remember them, especially Chuck Kennedy and his family.”

Submitted by Samantha Yager.

Department of Public Works
Westerly, Rhode Island

Richard, age 64, was stricken, collapsed and died on January 7, 2019 while unloading his trash transfer trailer at the Central landfill in Johnston.

Submitted by Richard Merson.

City of Henderson Public Works Department
Henderson, Nevada

Edgar H. Malloy passed away February 8, 2008 at 62 years of age. Ed was injured in a cooling tower accident on February 7, 2008 and died of his injuries the following day. Ed had worked for the City of Henderson as a Heating and Cooling Technician for over 15 years. Ed is the first City of Henderson employee to die in the line of duty in the 55 year history.

Ed was a familiar face around city hall, often stopping by to visit my secretary and her always full candy dish. In addition to this he had an uncanny ability to sense when one department or another was about to have a luncheon or potluck, making sure the room was comfortable and often wrangling himself an invite.

Ed was often cantankerous and if you had a complaint about your air conditioning he might have left you with the impression that you were an irritation. In fact I know he cared deeply about his duty and always went the extra mile to resolve his customer’s complaints. Ed did not seek any recognition of his efforts, he was truly an unsung hero.

Outside of work, Ed volunteered his time on weekends to help friends with projects. He loved crossword puzzles and cherished his grandchildren.

He was a driven, hardworking and proud man. We will miss him dearly.

Submitted by Edward McGuire.

Department of Public Works
Newton, Massachusetts

David J. McAdams Sr., 54 years old of Framingham, after suffering medical complications while on duty on March 28, 2017.

David was an employee of the Newton Public Works Water Division for nearly 29 years beginning as a laborer advancing to System Maintenance Craftsman, Heavy Equipment Operator and Working Foreman. He was a veteran a dedicated employee and a "Loving and Devoted" family man.

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Union City Department of Public Services
Union City, Georgia

Brandon McCrary was a 35 year old Laborer in the Street Division with the City of Union City, Georgia. On January 6, 2020 Brandon was struck and killed by a speeding, reckless driver, while picking up litter on the side of the road. Brandon was always smiling and will be missed by all. The entire City shut down, so that everyone could attend his funeral. The City will install a Memorial Bench in the Mayor’s Park to honor and remember Brandon.

Submitted by Adisa Aarons.

Town of Natick
Natick, Massachusetts

Michael died a tragic death on the night of February 4th 2014 while repairing a water main leak in an open trench. He was working along side others in the trench when they were struck by a backhoe, injuring the others and Mike was fatally injured.

Mike is survived by his wife and 9 year old daughter at the time.

Through donations the Natick Public Works has built a Memorial Honoring Mike and another worker who was killed back in the 1970's. This memorial is located at the Public Works Building and is seen by all who pass everyday.

Submitted by Thomas Collins.

City of Buckeye Public Works Department Airport Division
Buckeye, Arizona

John McMahon was the Airport Coordinator for the Airport Division of the Public Works Department in the City of Buckeye, Arizona. John managed the day to day operations of the Buckeye Municipal Airport. Part of his job was to build relationships with the tenants and visitors to the airport. When not doing that, he maintained the grounds, performed facilities repairs, provided custodial services and in his spare time, he learned to fly. On June 27th, 2017 a visitor from Texas came to Buckeye in his private aircraft. After performing some maintenance on the aircraft, he invited John for a brief flight around the area. Unfortunately the flight resulted in a collision with a flock of birds, which caused the plane to crash south of the airport killing both John and the pilot. As a member of the Public Works Department of the City of Buckeye, John is sorely missed. Prior to his promotion to Airport Coordinator, John was part of the Streets Division, and was definitely the epitome of the Public Works unsung heroes.

Submitted by Scott Lowe.

Village of Niles
Niles, Illinois

The Village of Niles will never forget.

Submitted by Fred Braun.

Colorado Department of Transportation

The Nolan Olsen Memorial is a 501C3 created the year of 2022. Nolan Olsen was always a public servant; he took great pleasure in his job. Nolan lived in Southern Colorado, where it’s known for the heavy snow. During the winter months, Nolan often missed Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas festivities, and more holiday celebrations because the snow was still falling. As his wife, Sandy, would say “the town counted on him and he knew it.” Not only did he assure the roads were snow free and not slick, but he also routinely helped stranded motorists. He would do almost anything for someone in need! His commitment to his community was unprecedented. He knew others counted on him to go about their daily lives, the store; school; work. So, he was usually at work early and regularly stayed late. During the month of February, he was filling potholes on the highway when a distracted motorist that was also speeding, took his life. He was lost too soon, and by one of those motorist that he would have gone out of his way to help. It is heard time and time again on the news about others killed in the line of duty by distracted drivers. Whether that be other roadworkers, tow truck drivers, first responders, or plow truck drivers. Nolan’s family does not ever want another innocent life to be taken. And with that, the Nolan Olsen Memorial was founded. The mission of the NOM is to raise awareness about road safety through quality education, in hopes to save another’s life and prevent serious injuries.

Submitted by Josh Trujillo.

City of Atlanta Department of Transportation
Atlanta, Georgia

Victor Price passed peacefully in his sleep on February 15, 2021. Victor was a dedicated Bridge Maintenance Supervisor for 28 years with the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works. Victor was the kind of person that once you met him you would not forget him. Victor also supervised an eight-person crew. Victor was a friend, a husband, a father and a grandfather who will be missed.

Submitted by Adisa Aarons.

Department of Public Works
Tolland, Connecticut

David, a laborer in the DPW, was fatally injured on March 19, 2015 while patching potholes one of the essential services he performed in his nine years with the department. At a meeting of the Tolland Town Council on March 24, 2015 a moment of silence was observed and it was expressed...."His efforts were vital in keeping our roads in repair and free of ice and snow.......As we drive through town we will be reminded of his dedicated efforts for years to come.....Though we cannot lift the burden or share the load with them (family, friends, co-workers and neighbors) as they mourn, we pray for peace and comfort for all who knew him and are saddened by this tragic event.

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Bay County Roads and Bridges Department
Panama City, Florida

The Bay County Road Department lost two of its own in 2017 to job site accidents. Richard “Doug” Robinson and James Vinson were well-liked and respected by their co-workers and colleagues, and Bay County honors them with pride and reverence in the Fallen Heroes Memorial. These men served their communities faithfully for many years, we hope that their sacrifice will be remembered.

A Bay County Road Department maintenance worker, Robinson, 59, of Panama City died Feb. 16, 2017 on a job site. He served the citizens of Bay County for more than 34 years. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, committed to his faith.

Submitted by Keith Bryant.

Department of Public Works
Westerly, Rhode Island

Angelo, age 53, was fatally injured while servicing a trash transfer trailer on December, 19, 2018. Employed with the DPW for 22 years as a truck driver and Chief Mechanic co-workers described Angelo as a happy and well liked. He was always among the first to give a friendly welcome new employees. "He cared about people, always asking about your life" one co-worker was quoted. "He always had a funny joke for me every day"

Submitted by Richard Merson.

Pinellas County Mosquito Control
Clearwater, Florida

Rafael Ufret-Ortiz started his career with Pinellas County in Mosquito Control and Vegetation Management in 2022. He would work his way up to Senior Spray tech working for both Mosquito Control and Vegetation during his 15 years of service. He was well loved and respected by both his coworkers and supervisors. He came to work every day with a positive attitude, always smiling and keeping his peers in laughter. He was well liked by the citizens who he would help, constantly receiving compliments on his knowledge and professionalism. He was the first to volunteer anytime help was needed, whether fogging early mornings or filling in for his coworkers who were off. He was looked up to by the newer spray techs as someone to emulate and great at his profession. Tragically, Rafael lost his life in the line of duty on November 27, 2017.

Bay County Roads and Bridges Department
Panama City, Florida

The Bay County Road Department lost two of its own in 2017 to job site accidents. Richard “Doug” Robinson and James Vinson were well-liked and respected by their co-workers and colleagues, and Bay County honors them with pride and reverence in the Fallen Heroes Memorial. These men served their communities faithfully for many years, we hope that their sacrifice will be remembered.

Vinson, 43, of Panama City, Florida died Thursday, June 1, 2017 while working on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, Florida. James worked for Bay County for 15 years as a heavy equipment operator. He was dedicated to his faith, family, and friends, and was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and fishing.

Submitted by Keith Bryant.

City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Frank J. Wadley, Sr., a man of God, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend passed away from Covid-19 complications after testing negative. Frank was employed for 25 years with the City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services. His passion to serve the community was demonstrated by his dedication to his employer, working in vulnerable environments during the global pandemic.

Losing Frank, the backbone of his family, was very unexpected. He served the community in various capacities outside of work and was well respected for his character and his pleasant and unique personality. He was very amiable. If you knew him, you know that he could light up any room that he walked in and his spirituality. He was closely knitted to God. He was a member and server of The Lord’s Church in Monroeville, PA for over 25 years. Lastly but certainly not least, Frank should have been famous. He had a new tune everyday and a voice so lively that it could give life to the lifeless.

He was truly an unsung hero...We will miss him dearly.

Submitted by Catherine Trexler.

City of Gulfport, MS/H2O Innovations
Gulfport, Mississippi

William Shannon Waltman, was a Scada Supervisor for H2O Innovations, LLC, a company contracted by the City of Gulfport, MS. On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the unimaginable happened. While performing his daily routine at a lift station, William was robbed then shot multiple times by an individual on a killing spree from one of our neighboring cities.

William was a great man and a reliable employee during his 18-year career with us and well respected by others as he performed his job to the best of his ability. William was a true asset to the City of Gulfport and H2O Innovations, LLC, and is missed by many.

Submitted by Wayne Miller.

City of Kirkwood
Kirkwood, Missouri

The victims of the shootings at Kirkwood City Hall Thursday night were identified Friday as Kirkwood City Council members Connie Karr and Michael H.T. Lynch, Kirkwood Public Works Director Kenneth Yost, and Kirkwood Police Officer Tom Ballman and Sgt. William Biggs. Mayor Mike Swoboda and Suburban Journals reporter Todd Smith were injured. The gunman, Charles Lee Thornton, also was killed.

Kenneth Yost, 61, of the St. Louis suburb of Ballwin, served as the Kirkwood public works director. He was formerly Kirkwood's city engineer. Late last year he celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife, Cathy, with a cruise to Alaska, according to a write-up in an area Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

Kirkwood Police Officer Tom Ballman, 37, was the department's spokesman and community service officer.

Kirkwood residents outside a victims' prayer service Friday recalled Ballman's work to foster strong relations between the police department and the community. He was known to many in the media for his work relaying information when two kidnapped boys, Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby, were rescued from the Kirkwood apartment of Michael Devlin last year.

Sgt. William Biggs, 50, was remembered by a friend at the prayer service as someone who went into law enforcement work to try to give a break to people who didn't have many opportunities in life. A former cattle rancher in northern Colorado, Biggs returned to the St. Louis suburbs, his boyhood home, with his wife and two sons in the late 1980s. Last fall marked his 20th year with the Kirkwood Police Department.

Published in Belleville News-Democrat from Feb. 8 to Feb. 13, 2008.