I am a wastewater and drinking water operator working to get my Class B license hours in drinking water. At this time I am in Sumter Correctional Institution in Bushnell, Florida. In this institution we have a great wastewater and drinking water program, and I thank God for this great opportunity.

We self-study and we get ready for the tests, and after we pass we get the experience in the wastewater and drinking water plants to give service to the institution. It is a great learning experience. It is the best program an inmate can take in prison. We believe that 95 percent of the inmates can take this career, stay on the outside, and be successful in the community.

I just want to thank TPO for the good job they do. This magazine helps us to focus and helps us to learn more. The magazine is a great help to a lot of inmates. I still have four more years to serve. My plan is to get out with my double B license. There are a lot of good companies waiting for us to get out.

When I get out, my plan is to continue to grow in all the areas I can. I will try to do the professional operator certification. I just want to be a great operator and one day be a great supervisor.

I have a question and I hope you can help me on this. Do you have any information on how I can get better in this place, like any study material or class I can take in prison? I just want to use my time better and put myself in a good position.

Francisco Diaz

EDITOR’S NOTE:  The Florida Water Environment Association would be a good source of the kind of information you are seeking. Write to them at P.O. Box 782164, Orlando, FL 32878.