Blog: Vermont's Water Heroes
This blog celebrates water and wastewater professionals across Vermont who often don’t receive the thanks they deserve for their hard work and committment.
Water Hero: Preston Bergeron
Preston Bergeron is the Lead Custodian at Middlebury Union Middle School and is training to take over operations of all of the school district’s water systems. He recently completed a one-year apprenticeship with Vermont Rural Water.
Water Hero: Ross Grube
Ross Grube has been a water and wastewater operator at the City of Newport for three years. His enthusiasm and aspirations for his new career are impressive!
From Apprentice to Mentor: Brian Murray’s Path in Water Operations
Brian Murray began his career as a water treatment apprenticeship through Vermont Rural Water’s program. He is now the Lead Operator for the Town of Middlebury and is training the water system’s next apprentice.
Eric Blatt Receives Tony Torchia Award
Eric Blatt received the 2025 Tony Torchia Award in recognition of his 47-year career at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Water Hero: Gail Ball
Gail Ball retired at the end of January after 13 years as the Clerk/Treasurer of Lunenburg Fire District #1.
Water Hero: Esther Blow
Esther Blow has been the clerk/treasurer for Grand Isle Fire District 4 for 36 years. She enjoys working with numbers and working with people.
Water Hero: Les Gardner
Les Gardner is retiring after nearly 40 years at Grand Isle Fire District 4. He shared some memories and funny stories with us.
Water Hero: Paul Sestito
Join us in saying farewell to Paul Sestito, who has left Vermont Rural Water because his family moved to Connecticut. Paul had worked here for over 10 years as a Water Systems Specialist, providing technical assistance to drinking water systems across Vermont.
Water Hero: Amy Polaczyk
Amy Polaczyk worked for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation in the Wastewater Management Program for eight years. She recently transitioned to a new opportunity at Tetra Tech.
Water Hero: Jay Nadeau
Jay Nadeau has worked in the water resources field for nearly 40 years. He will be retiring from Champlain Water District at the end of 2024.
Water Hero: Chris Robinson
Chris Robinson has worked in Shelburne’s wastewater department for over 25 years. He will be retiring in the spring of 2025.
Water Heroes: Tristan MacGregor-Stewart & Scott Franks
Tristan MacGregor-Stewart and Scott Franks recently completed some big upgrades at the Town of Plainfield water and wastewater departments.
John Choate Receives Tony Torchia Award
John Choate received the 2024 Tony Torchia Award commemorating his 40-year career at the cities of Burlington and Winooski, the town of Hartford, and the Vermont DEC.
Water Hero: Carol O’Donoughue
Carol O’ Donoughue is a water operator at Alburgh Fire District #1. She is proud to be a female operator and to provide drinking water to the neighborhood where she lives.