The Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA) has presented its annual Water/Wastewater Employee of the Year award to Thurston County Public Utility District Project Management Specialist Jacob Boogerd.
The award is presented to a field operator or staff person who has excelled in the successful operation and maintenance of a PUD water or wastewater system.
Boogerd was selected for his exceptional performance, dedication to the success of his utility, and commitment to the values and mission of WPUDA, the association said in a news release. Boogerd has nine years of experience working for Thurston PUD and helps to oversee projects across the district's 272 water systems.
The association honored Boogerd for his technical expertise, dedication to public service, and willingness to take on additional responsibility to support the communities served by Thurston PUD.
One of Boogerd’s most notable contributions has been his work in developing Thurston PUDs emergency water tree program, according to a news release.
The program provides a way to distribute safe drinking water to a community water system following a major natural disaster. Boogerd assisted in the design and construction of the equipment, developed configurations to accommodate water systems of varying sizes, and provided training to staff and customers on deploying and operating the system during an emergency.
Boogerd was also recognized for his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others, including providing training and resources to fellow water professionals through WPUDA’s Water Workshop.
“His contributions reflect the spirit of collaboration and public service that the award was created to recognize,” WPUDA said in a news release.
Boogerd was presented with the award at the WPUDA’s annual workshop in Wenatchee.
