New Members for 2023

Three nominees for the Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (FSSSSS) became members of the organization after completing a tongue-twisting induction exercise at the conference, held on Monday during the awards luncheon. The chair of the society, Patrick “Murf” Murphy, welcomed the attendees to the ceremony.

The inductees this year were:

S Jason Hopp, Heyward Inc.

S Suzanne Mechler, CDM

S Chuck Nichols Sr., Polk County

Hopp was nominated in the vendor or “peddler” category, Nichols in the operator category, and Mechler in the engineer category.

These three each took their turn at the podium, and after successfully repeating the name of the society three times (and after several tries!), received their certificates as members of the Class of 2023. The new members also received the coveted Silver Shovel pin, which, according to FSSSSS, should be worn at all times.

Each nominee must be a FWEA member in good standing at the time of nomination. The nominees must also be present at the FWRC luncheon to receive the award as dictated by tradition.

Upon successful completion of the induction ceremony, the nominees are:

“Elevated on the official shovel to the highest ridge on the sludge bed, with the title of Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shoveler, and with all the honors, atmosphere, perquisites, and dignity appertaining thereunto.”

The society, which was founded in 1956 by David B. Lee and has had more than 180 members, annually recognizes wastewater industry professionals for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty to FWEA.