Last Thursday was a bittersweet day at the Auburn Board of Public Works when Milo Leslie was recognized for his service and he said farewell to the place he worked for 58 years.
Leslie officially retired on Dec. 31, 2009, but he wasn’t honored until the standing-room only reception was held for the public to personally thank him for his many years of service to this community.Leslie began his career at the BPW in January 1951 but did not stay very long and quit in May of that same year. However, he returned in October. He began his career in the electric department, with a starting salary of 85 cents per hour. Over the years, Leslie has witnessed many changes at the BPW, including the management change from the city of Auburn to that of the BPW. Leslie had many roles over the years, including the city’s electrical inspector and plumbing inspector, as well as overseeing the BPW’s water department.He has also received many honors during his career at the BPW. At the 2006 fall conference of the American Water Works Association–Nebraska Section American Water Works Association and Nebraska Water Environment Association, Leslie received the NE AWWA Water Industry Service Award. And, in December of that same year, city administrators declared December 25-31 as Milo Leslie Week. During Leslie’s retirement party, Mayor Bob Engles proclaimed Feb. 18, 2010, as “Milo Leslie Day.” The proclamation read: “Milo has brought a wealth of knowledge and ability to his position; and whereas, Milo has been on call and ready to respond to handle virtually every utility problem in Auburn and the Villages and rural areas in which BPW supplies service; and Whereas, This dedication has helped keep the lights on during storms, provided safe clean water to drink and for the fire protection, and also provided a wastewater system that met the ever changing government regulations; and Whereas, Milo’s dedication to his family and community are a great inspiration to everyone.”In addition to the proclamation being read, BPW Chairman Richard Schneider also read some kind words during the retirement party. Schneider told the crowd, “Milow was the type of person every employer is looking for because now matter how bad things get, Milo will find a way to keep it running. This is extremely valuable to the community. Milo has worked almost every electrical storm for the past 58 years. He has been on-call and ready to respond to handle virtually every utility problem including being out and working on electrical power and water lines in all condition–lightening, snow, rain, ice, tornados, blizzards, floods (you name it) and at all times–day or night, weekends, holidays, even on vacation, etc. Milo receives no extra pay for this extra time.”
Leslie said he will miss working at the BPW and he will always remember his co-workers and the BPW customers.While most people despise snow, ice and tornadoes, Leslie said he enjoyed working during those times. “I always enjoyed storms,” Leslie said. “I always liked getting out there and getting the people’s lights back on. I found it pretty interesting in figuring out how you get the people back on the quickest.”Leslie retired for family reasons, he said. Primarily because his wife Betty recently sustained an injury. In the first weeks of retirement, Leslie admits he misses work and being busy.“Right now, what you miss the most is you don’t get up and go to work in the morning,” Leslie said. “I suppose there be other thing that will come up, but that’s what I miss.”And, the reason Leslie stayed with his job for 58 years is because he was never bored with it. “I enjoyed the work. You never knew what you were going to be doing,” Leslie said. “Every thing changed, every day.”Leslie said once spring comes, he will be busy again. Right now, he is spending spare time in his greenhouse tending to his flowers. He also plans to paint his house this spring. “I’ve got plenty of things to do this year at least,” Leslie said. “It will get better here. I’ve got to find something to do. I’ve got to keep busy because that’s what I’ve done all my life. I can’t change now.”
Leslie officially retired on Dec. 31, 2009, but he wasn’t honored until the standing-room only reception was held for the public to personally thank him for his many years of service to this community.Leslie began his career at the BPW in January 1951 but did not stay very long and quit in May of that same year. However, he returned in October. He began his career in the electric department, with a starting salary of 85 cents per hour. Over the years, Leslie has witnessed many changes at the BPW, including the management change from the city of Auburn to that of the BPW. Leslie had many roles over the years, including the city’s electrical inspector and plumbing inspector, as well as overseeing the BPW’s water department.He has also received many honors during his career at the BPW. At the 2006 fall conference of the American Water Works Association–Nebraska Section American Water Works Association and Nebraska Water Environment Association, Leslie received the NE AWWA Water Industry Service Award. And, in December of that same year, city administrators declared December 25-31 as Milo Leslie Week. During Leslie’s retirement party, Mayor Bob Engles proclaimed Feb. 18, 2010, as “Milo Leslie Day.” The proclamation read: “Milo has brought a wealth of knowledge and ability to his position; and whereas, Milo has been on call and ready to respond to handle virtually every utility problem in Auburn and the Villages and rural areas in which BPW supplies service; and Whereas, This dedication has helped keep the lights on during storms, provided safe clean water to drink and for the fire protection, and also provided a wastewater system that met the ever changing government regulations; and Whereas, Milo’s dedication to his family and community are a great inspiration to everyone.”In addition to the proclamation being read, BPW Chairman Richard Schneider also read some kind words during the retirement party. Schneider told the crowd, “Milow was the type of person every employer is looking for because now matter how bad things get, Milo will find a way to keep it running. This is extremely valuable to the community. Milo has worked almost every electrical storm for the past 58 years. He has been on-call and ready to respond to handle virtually every utility problem including being out and working on electrical power and water lines in all condition–lightening, snow, rain, ice, tornados, blizzards, floods (you name it) and at all times–day or night, weekends, holidays, even on vacation, etc. Milo receives no extra pay for this extra time.”
Leslie said he will miss working at the BPW and he will always remember his co-workers and the BPW customers.While most people despise snow, ice and tornadoes, Leslie said he enjoyed working during those times. “I always enjoyed storms,” Leslie said. “I always liked getting out there and getting the people’s lights back on. I found it pretty interesting in figuring out how you get the people back on the quickest.”Leslie retired for family reasons, he said. Primarily because his wife Betty recently sustained an injury. In the first weeks of retirement, Leslie admits he misses work and being busy.“Right now, what you miss the most is you don’t get up and go to work in the morning,” Leslie said. “I suppose there be other thing that will come up, but that’s what I miss.”And, the reason Leslie stayed with his job for 58 years is because he was never bored with it. “I enjoyed the work. You never knew what you were going to be doing,” Leslie said. “Every thing changed, every day.”Leslie said once spring comes, he will be busy again. Right now, he is spending spare time in his greenhouse tending to his flowers. He also plans to paint his house this spring. “I’ve got plenty of things to do this year at least,” Leslie said. “It will get better here. I’ve got to find something to do. I’ve got to keep busy because that’s what I’ve done all my life. I can’t change now.”
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