C FACTOR
Region 13 Shout Out! Patrick “Murf ” Murphy
President, FWPCOA
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o, this is not an episode of “Chicago Fire,” but a rescue is involved. If you work or reside in FWPCOA Region 13, serving Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties, this is a shout out! If you work in one of the disciplines that FWPCOA supports training and voluntary certification programs for, which includes: S Water Distribution Level 3, 2, 1 S Wastewater Collection C, B, A S Stormwater C, B, A S Reclaimed Water Distribution C, B, A S Utility Customer Relations Level III, II, I S Backflow Tester and Recertification S Backflow Repair S Utilities Maintenance III, II S Facility Management Module I – Prerequisite Course for the Florida Class A Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Exam Here’s a shout out!
Membership in FWPCOA If you are not a member of FWPCOA, but you believe in protecting the health of the citizens and preserving the natural resources of the great
state of Florida—here’s a shout out! If you are not a member of FWPCOA, you are missing out on being a part of an association that has been advancing the professional status of water and wastewater operators for 80 years. Besides being the least-expensive association to be a member of, we provide diverse training, fantastic networking, and professional development opportunities. Join us—to better your career and help FWPCOA grow strong with you. Go to www. fwpcoa.org today and click on the membership tab (top left on the home page), then to the membership information tab, to find a membership application form. As a member of FWPCOA, you will: S Receive a subscription to the Florida Water Resources Journal. This is a monthly publication jointly sponsored by FWPCOA, Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA), and Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA). This publication keeps its subscribers abreast of current events in Florida’s water and wastewater professions. S Receive discounts on residency training courses provided by FWPCOA. Whether you work in the public or private sector, you can’t afford to let technology pass you by. Continuing education units (CEUs) are mandatory with license renewals, and many utilities recognize FWPCOA certifications to increase your eligibility for new jobs or promotions. S Get a chance to see other utilities in your area, network with your fellow utility workers, make professional contacts, and make friends. And all this for just 30 dollars a year!
Region 13 maps.
44 May 2022 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Why We Need You to “Shout Out” The dedicated, longstanding, and outstanding officers of Region 13 have been fighting the good fight and holding the torch high for many years. A multitude of thanks go to the following Region 13 officers: S Tracy Betz, chair S Arnold Gibson, secretary S Bill Ewbank, treasurer The region’s director and vice chair positions are currently vacant, and Mr. Gibson has reliably substituted for the director for the state board of directors meetings. It’s not uncommon for regions to go through highs and lows, but it makes it tough when there are only 59 members in the pool of membership (1 percent of the association’s total) from Region 13. Not to mention that our arms get tired after awhile—the torch needs to be passed on! For my first real job, I went to see Grandpa Murphy, who worked me like a dog from the time I was 13 years old through high school each summer cleaning beachfronts and installing seawalls all around Winter Haven. I have plenty of stories about water moccasins, leeches, and gators. He walked me down to the picnic table near the lake, grabbed a bucket of water, and told me to stick my hand in. “That’s your contribution to your employer; now, take your hand out. See how that void filled in? It’ll happen every time.” Unlike certain businesses that believe a “body for a body” is succession planning, we are all volunteers in FWPCOA and have a passion to do the best we can for the citizens and environment of Florida. I know in my heart that there are more than a handful of dedicated, concerned, and
