County employees honored by Pebble Program

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) was recognized by the Fort Myers Beach Deployment Team (FMBDT) at its annual Pebble Program ceremony for its efforts to help rebuild the devastated water distribution system in Fort Myers Beach. 

The team included members of the Water Transmission and Distribution Division and Water Production and Maintenance Division who enthusiastically volunteered without hesitation and committed to helping those in need. 

Division Directors Lazaro Cabrera and Samuel Carballo worked with the City of Fort Myers personnel to lead over 40 water utility professionals who quickly began planning, coordinating and working toward providing Fort Myers Beach with much-needed assistance.

Upon arriving in Fort Myers, the FMBDT’s temporary trailer became their home for several weeks. 

They worked with the City of Fort Myers personnel to inspect and repair the damaged water distribution transmission mains.

Through hard work and countless hours, they swiftly reestablished the integrity of the water system, section by section. Despite being surrounded by the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian, the team continued working tirelessly to provide recovery support to the city’s water system.

They effectively completed their work ahead of schedule, allowing for the maintenance of adequate water pressure. Their hard work and dedication made it possible for the City of Fort Myers to slowly reinstate the process of providing clean water for human consumption and construction efforts.  

These employees were away from their loved ones and worked long hours amid significant loss and adversity. Despite the extenuating circumstances, they displayed excellent work ethic, outstanding teamwork, interpersonal skills and a desire to help. Because of this, WASD was selected as the 2022 Q4 Winner and the 2022 Annual Winner of the FMBDT Pebble Program.

Members recognized include Ricardo Acosta, Irshad Ali, Yoerlan Amador, Jionanni L. Barrero, Jake Bermudez, Patrick J. Brown, Lazaro R. Cabrera, Samuel Carballo, Rolday Chavez, Jeffrey Chestnut, Jeffrey J. Copa, Helio Diaz, Randy Duconge, Sergio A. Garcia, Tulio Garcia, Antonio Garcia, Ariel Fernandez, Armando Fernandez, Edmond G. Godfrey, Valentin Gutierrez, Alfredo Horta, Kevin Herrera, Ellis Jones, Edryt La Rosa, Phyllip Lopez, Marcelo O. Malla, Eric J. Marcenaro, Antonio Marti, Christopher A. Martinez, Jermaine Mathis, Tomas R. Martin, Melvin Mora, Edgar D. Moore, Omar Miranda, Robert Pittman, Angelo Ortiz, Luis Rodriguez-Cora, Roberto Rodriguez, Caio Ramos, Alexander Suarez, Daren Tamargo, Richard Tamarez, Adrian Triana, Adrian R. Ulloa, Arturo J. Viton and Cedric Walker.