NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 1998

CARY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR WINS STATEWIDE RECOGNITION

CARY, NC -- Sammie Garris--Equipment Operator for the Town of Cary--is this year’s recipient of the Herman Drake Award for Employee of the Year of the North Carolina chapter of the American Water Works Association Solid Waste Division. Garris has worked with the Town of Cary’s Solid Waste Division for over 21 years, serving as Equipment Operator for the last 5 years. He was honored on August 13th at the annual meeting of the NC WASWD in Greenville, NC. NCAWASWD gives one award each year to the sanitation professional in the state who has distinguished him or herself with outstanding dedication and community service. The award was named for Herman Drake, a 42-year Rocky Mount solid waste division employee.

"I’m honored and very grateful to have been recognized," said Sammie Garris.

Garris beat out 10 others for the award. Each of the 100 counties and more than 500 municipalities in the state are eligible to nominate employees. He will be recognized for his achievement by the Cary Town Council at this Thursday’s regular meeting on September 24, 1998.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Mike Bajorek, Public Works Division Director, 469-4093
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951