Wilbraham receives award

On May 9, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection bestowed the 2007 Public Water System Award in the Consecutive System Category to the Wilbraham Water Department. The DEP Drinking Water Program evaluates and rates public drinking water systems in Massachusetts according to strict criteria of compliance with drinking water regulations, administrative capacity, source protection, distribution treatment, disinfection and monitoring activities.

Under the leadership of Water Superintendent Michael Framarin, the Wilbraham Water Department has been receiving awards as one of the top performing systems in the Commonwealth under this program every year since 1994. His office is wall-papered with awards, citations from the House of Representatives and the office of the Governor, in recognition of his and his crew's dedicated service in maintaining the safe supply of clean drinking water to residents of Wilbraham and Ludlow.

"The potential for contamination and disaster is always there," says Framarin, "You can't ever let your guard down and never cut corners. I would like to thank my crew of operators and technicians: Water Service Technician Kevin Shaw, Water Service Worker Lionel Duquette, Heavy Equipment Operators Anthony Garceau and Paul Willoughby, and DPW Worker Robert Gibson for their commitment to the importance of their jobs and the fact that they always do what it takes to get the job done right the first time. It takes vigilance and determination to consistently perform at the top level, and receiving this award year after year demonstrates that they do. I'm really proud of them."

Public Works Director/Town Engineer Edmond Miga, Jr., who went with Framarin to receive the award at the ceremony held at the State House, gives credit to Framarin: "Mike carries out his work with such commitment and determination, there is no place for second best. He often goes above and beyond what is required and goes out of his way to conduct non-regulated activities to help promote the quality of the public water supply he is responsible for. I have the highest respect for Mike and trust his judgment and value his advice. He is on call 24-seven and time and again he has proven his ability to deal with any kind of water emergency immediately and effectively. He definitely sets standards for public employees everywhere."

The Board of Selectmen signed a commendation to Framarin and his crew for their outstanding work on behalf of all who enjoy Wilbraham's top quality public drinking water.