An employee who has worked for the City of Kirksville for almost 25 years is being honored for his outstanding work ethic.

The Kirksville Public Works Department said it is pleased to announce that Dwayne Gillespie is the recipient of this year’s Granvil Prise Stevens Memorial Award.

This annual award is given to an exemplary public works staff member during National Public Works Week.

On Nov. 16, 1998, Gillespie started working for the Kirksville Public Works Department.

He began with the Street Department. He then transferred to the Kirksville Water Treatment Plant on May 28, 2007.

“Dwayne is very dedicated to his job,” said Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Russell Pruett. “He has worked every shift at the plant and is always willing to fill in where needed. The city is very fortunate to have such a dedicated employee work for it. I know I am very lucky to have him.”

Public Works Director Adam Dorrell said award winners take their job seriously and are willing to work whenever needed to guarantee that it gets done.

Dorrell went on to say that the employees are proud to be public service employees, and they feel responsible for the tasks assigned to them as well as the city property they use. He added that they are never the last to arrive at work nor the first to leave at the end of their shift. If called on during their off hours, they come in immediately and take care of the situation or call for additional help.

This award is given to one employee each year who best represents the image of loyalty and devotion, which is associated with the name of “Prise” Stevens.

Stevens was responsible for the operations of the water plants, lake pump station and the two sewer treatment plants from May 1, 1947, until his death on December 4, 1973. The award has been presented since 1974.