The City of Bridgeport got more than just knowledge at this week’s West Virginia Rural Water Association (WVRWA) Annual Meeting that was held in Charleston. Bridgeport also managed to talk away with one of the events top honors.

 

Public Utilities Superintendent Jared Cummons walked away with an important piece of hardware. He was presented a plaque for being named the 2018 Wastewater Operator of the Year. Cummons was presented the honor at the Charleston Civic Center as part of the even that began Sunday and wrapped up Wednesday.

 

City Engineer Beth Fox nominated Cummons. The nomination package also included a letter of recommendation from Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang.

 

The award caught Cummons by surprise.

 

“I had no idea about it. I didn’t even know I was nominated so I was extremely surprised,” said Cummons. “It was wonderful and getting any recognition at all is great because a lot of the work we go goes unnoticed unless there’s a problem. To be noticed at this level was satisfying because I’ve watched many of my peers receive this and to be classified with them is an awesome feeling.”

 

Fox said it’s something well deserved.

 

“He certainly deserves the honor, but I hope everyone understands Jared isn’t just running the wastewater treatment plant,” said Fox, who was joined by engineering department, wastewater treatment plant and public works staff at the conference. “It’s just one of his many jobs.”

 

Cummons is responsible for water distribution, wastewater collection and public utilities in general. He also makes sure the agencies that have a stake in making sure the treatment plant – groups such as the WVDEP and the Health Department – are aware of the plant’s operation. Fox said it’s a full plate.

 

“For him to carry that load and keep things at an optimum level says a lot about Jared,” said Fox. “On top of all that is his dedication to everything … He just goes above and beyond and makes sure every day to see what this office needs from him, billing, finance and anyone else. He’s an all-around asset to the city.”

 

However, she said he’s often at his best when things go bad.

 

“You’d love for your system to run smoothly all the time, but that’s not realistic,” said Fox. “When we do have an issue, Jared is informative and ready to address it. He keeps the key players in the loop and knows how to delegate responsibility to the people around him that are there to support him and the system he’s responsible for.”

 

Cummons said he takes pride in making sure the utilities, including the treatment plant, is up to par. However, he was quick to add that the honor received wouldn’t be possible without his staff.

 

“These guys make me look good. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it over and over and that’s that I have the best staff in state and would put them up against anyone,” said Cummons. “They work their tails off day in and day out no matter the weather conditions or situation they make sure things are running as they should be running.”

 

Cummons is also a family man. He and his wife Stephanie have two children – son Kyan and daughter Kasey.

Editor's Note: Top photo show Jared Cummons with his award with City Engineer Beth Fox. Bottom photo shows Cummons during a Bridgeport Utility Board meeting.