The Washington Public Utility Districts Association presented its annual awards recognizing the outstanding dedicated service and commitment of individuals serving PUDs at the organization’s Annual Conference Thursday, December 3 in Sea-Tac, Washington. The Washington PUD Association presents awards annually for lifetime achievement, commitment to public service, and meritorious action in a life-threatening situation. In addition, the Association also presents a $1,000 educational scholarship to a graduating senior of a PUD employee.

The employees of Okanogan PUD were presented with the Good Samaritan Award for their heroic actions to preserve property and protect the community in the face of raging wildfires. The crews not only protected Okanogan PUD infrastructure, but selflessly protected the homes of citizens even when their own homes were threatened. Without the team work and effort of the support staff and crews during this catastrophic event, a different scenario would have unfolded. More homes would have been destroyed, more lives would have been affected and more Okanogan PUD infrastructure would have been devastated.

The Okanogan PUD Board of Commissioners and Management are proud of the employees of the Okanogan PUD for their heroic efforts during the fires and are honored that they collectively were recognized by the Washington Public Utility Districts Association for the Good Samaritan Award.

Pictured: George Webster, Jay VanderWeide, Allen Allie and Randy Bird.