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Arnold Miller Retires After 48 Years with
The City of Weatherford Water Department
On January 4, 2008, Arnold
Miller concluded a successful 48 year career with the City of Weatherford Water
Utilities Department, serving almost 39 years as superintendent, under six
different mayors. Through those years of service he has achieved many goals and
received recognition locally, statewide and regionally.
Local recognition includes
being inducted into the Weatherford Hall of Fame in 2006 and being chosen the
first Employee of The Month for the City when the program was initiated in
1988. State wide recognitions include serving the Oklahoma Water and Pollution
Control Association as president in 1978 and as president elect for the OWPCA in
2008. Arnold received the OWPCA Presidents Award For Outstanding Service in
2005 and has served on numerous boards and committees. Miller served on the
Water and Wastewater Works Advisory Council from 1978 to 1981 and was appointed
to another term by the Oklahoma State Senate in 2006, currently serving as
chairman. He has been granted Life Time Membership in both OWPCA and the
national American Water Works Association. The Oklahoma Department of Labor
awarded him recognition for his efforts in employee safety. The goal of Class
"A" certification in Water Works and Wastewater Works with the State of Oklahoma
was achieved in 1972. During the 1970's he did contract training for the
Oklahoma Sate Department of Health as well as teaching night classes in area
Technology Centers.
On November 3, 1959 Miller
began a journey that would last more than 48 years. Early in his career, because
of his skills and ability, he operated and managed the City swimming pool,
helped build roads, substituted as animal control officer and truck driver,
although assigned to the water utilities department.
In 1967, Weatherford City
Administrator George Wilkinson and Mayor G. Dean Rader appointed him Assistant Water
Superintendent and in April of 1969, Water Utilities Superintendent. The
first major project was the construction of a new three million gallons water
storage along with two and a half miles of sixteen inch water main and a mile
and a half of twelve water main. Through the years, twenty-two additional water
wells, another one million gallon storage, and miles of water mainline have been
added and more than four miles relocated to accommodate major highway
construction. In the early days, the City's backhoe was three men with shovels,
today there are three water department backhoes to facilitate the construction
of these mainline projects.
There have been two additions, totaling one million five hundred thousand, to
the wastewater treatment facility, making it a two million gallon per day
treatment works. The collection system has grown with the addition of five
major lift stations and many miles of collection lines.
Congratulations, Arnold Miller, and thank you for all of your contributions.
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