There is a group of gentlemen who are seen in Maplewood everyday but rarely noticed despite their neon orange uniform shirts. They provide outstanding services to citizens, visitors and business owners, yet many of us don’t know their name.
They’re the reason that Maplewood is decked in seasonal cheer leading up to the holidays and beautifully landscaped for spring but rarely do we connect these “fairies” and their work. The way they perform their job impacts our daily lives in Maplewood- whether it’s getting the streets clear after a snowstorm, replacing a traffic sign that was damaged in a storm, or making sure that the grass is mowed for your family outing to the park.
I am, of course, speaking about the Maplewood Public Works Department. I have been intending to write a public acknowledgement for this group for some time. I was prompted to action with my latest “angels in orange” encounter that occurred as I was attempting to haul a heavy pizza oven, 5 bags of ice, a table, 4 coolers filled with drinks and ice, and several boxes the one block from my office to Sutton Loop Park for Let Them Eat Art. (As an aside, whenever there is a major event in Maplewood, the people that are hardest at work on event day is the Public Works Department.) With Let Them Eat Art being the biggest event in Maplewood, this is one of the busiest for the angels in orange. All day, their trucks were up and down the street in flurry of motion. Had it not been for this fact, I would have just asked them for help. As it turned out- I didn’t have to. Within 5 seconds of coming into their sight, carrying an armload of items – three guys were at my office carrying the remaining items down to the park, while two others grabbed the large bags of ice from my trunk. I told one of them, “I would hug you right now, but I am guessing that might be a little inappropriate.” He just smiled and went back to his work as did the rest of group.
Some will read this and think, “They’re just doing their job.” to which I would respond, “Exactly!” They’re a group of hardworking guys, who perform their job with humility and without the slightest expectation of recognition for how much they contribute to our community. Many of us (myself included) are accustomed to receiving validation when we’ve done something well. The Public Works Department is a refreshing reminder of doing a job well simply because it’s your job. However, I also know from experience that many of them go above and beyond their duties for citizens, business owners, and everyone in between.
Finally, I’ll add that this group is so elusive that I couldn’t find one picture to use for this article. Several pictures had an orange sleeve to the side, a glimpse of a truck in background, and one featured John Meyer cheesing it up for the camera at the Christmas Tree Walk. My thanks to Jason Watkins for snapping this group shot upon my request.
I agree with all of the above. One can’t say enough good things about these folks.
Here, here! I agree with everything said. These guys work in extreme temperatures and conditions and always get the job done well! This acknowledgement is long overdue!
I totally agree with all the comments above. I have sent emails a few times thanking them for the great job do for all of our city. There response times are awesome, whether it be for tree branches from a storm, water leaks, etc.
I’ve been in maintenance one way or another for over forty years. Maintenance always seem to be over looked. Thanks for bringing some over due attention and praise to such an integral part of our wonderful city.
Thanks to ALL of the Public Works Crew!!!
“Hat’s Off” to the MPW team ! They definitely make a big difference in our neighborhood. They not only do their job exceptionally, they do it with a smile. I live on Laclede Station and I have seen them not only doing a great job but going above what would be necessary. For instance, raking the leaves off a large portion of the section of grass between the sidewalk and the street to make sure they collect as many as they can. They always keep my street as clear as possible during any snowstorm too and are on the job quickly. We are very lucky to have such a great group of people in this department.
These workers are legendary. Since I came to this area in the ’70’s, Maplewood has been known for the superior service they provide. If you have lived elsewhere in the area, you may feel as I do great gratitude for their continual success in clearing our streets promptly and well after snowstorms! Bravo!
I love these guys. One of the men stationed at City Hall always come to take care of the folks who work at elections and is not only helpful but sweet and cheery. The others always have a smile whenever I see them and wave.
I imagine that I’m just one of many who have taken for granted all of the things the men of our MPW do for our community! Next time I enjoy the green spaces around town, or the decorative banners on our main thoroughfares, and so many more things, I’ll think of them with appreciation!
Nice article. The MPW team are wonderful! My thanks to all you who put in many hours, no matter the weather conditions are, to make our city one that is a great place to live and for others to come visit, shop and eat. Thank you.
Great tribute. M&B DPW’s are amazing at doing what they do without interrupting the general flow of life. Thanks for this write-up.