It’s fairly common for governors to proclaim a special day or week to honor water and wastewater operators. Usually it’s a state or regional operator association that takes the initiative and asks for such proclamations.
But if your governor does issue such a proclamation, how do you take advantage locally? Consider taking a cue from the city of O’Fallon, Ill.
After Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed March 17-23 as Water and Wastewater Operator’s Week in the state, Mayor Gary L. Graham and the city council issued a proclamation of their own to “further acknowledge the important role of water and wastewater operators in our daily life.”
The O’Fallon message stated, “There are nearly 6,200 of these water and wastewater individuals in the state of Illinois, as well as a vast support network of professionals who tirelessly work daily to keep the state’s potable water and waterways safe. This industry, which has roots in the 19th century and is constantly evolving to meet environmental challenges and regulatory requirements, is vital to the citizens of O’Fallon.”
A proclamation from a local official is probably more likely to get picked up in your local media than a proclamation from the governor.
It’s not as difficult as you might imagine to get your governor’s office to issue a proclamation on the profession’s behalf. Go to the governor’s home page on the Internet and you may find a link to instructions on the steps to follow. At the bare minimum you will find a “contact” button that will bring up a form where you can make your request.
Getting recognized with a proclamation is one small way to help elevate operators and the profession to the status of the fire chief and the fire department.
