Wastewater/Retention Retirement Party 10-23-19

DPU said farewell to four employees from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Retention Basin, Oct. 23. Kevin Frick, a construction inspector, has been with the city 18 years. A railroad enthusiast who volunteers with the local railroad museum, he has five children and six grandchildren.

Lee Ford has been with the city 42 years. The Marine veteran is a maintenance specialist and plans to enjoy fishing, travel, and volunteering at his church where his wife, Glinda, is an associate pastor. He has three children and four grandchildren.

Jewel Minor, a utility inspector with 40 years, and her husband, Brian Minor, a utility operator with 33 years and a Army veteran, are both retiring. Jewel started as a lab tech and is active in numerous wastewater organizations. She plans to fish and continue her lighthouse collection. Brian, who played college basketball in Texas, will also be fishing, enjoying sports and playing cards. The couple has one child and six grandchildren.

During the luncheon, Ford and co-workers remembered working during Tropical Storm Gaston at the Retention Basin, and Jewel, who started at DPU when she was 19, said, "I grew up here. I've loved and appreciated everyone here. Be thankful every day you have a job to go to, because somebodies don't. I'm not saying goodbye, just see you later."

She also thanked the Wastewater Treatment Plant "for this," she said patting her husband, Brian, who she met at work.

Jewel Minor and grandson

Brian Minor

Lee Ford

Kevin Frick and wife