A senior staff member with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is being recognized for his work during a local emergency.
Director of Public Works, Ryan Brown, received a Municipal Engineers Association award earlier this month for outstanding service to the community, and significant work-related accomplishments, particularly for engineering projects of “above average merit” in the wake of the 2021 gas explosion in Wheatley.
“He has been the main engineering technical lead dealing with the aftermath of the explosion, the remediation of the site, and many of the complex issues dealing with the gas well,” General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Edward Soldo, told Chatham-Kent council at their November 17 meeting.
“It’s a great honour to be nominated and to win the award,” said Brown. “And a real honour to serve Chatham-Kent in the few years I’ve been here and to work with the community they’ve been through a lot more than me uh with this, but uh happy to continue the great work that we’ve done in Wheatley.”
West Kent Councillor Lauren Anderson also expressed her gratitude for Brown’s work and dedication to the residents of Wheatley affected by the explosion.
“As a resident of Wheatley, I don’t think that there’s really vocabulary in our language that could explain the gratitude that we have for you, Ryan,” said Anderson. “From your expertise to your understanding and your continued advocacy and commitment to our community, it has definitely impacted where we are today.”
Anderson explained how Brown went above and beyond when relaying and explaining important information.
“You were able to paint a picture that made it very easy for us to support the suggestions around the table. And as a friend, I’ve seen the impact that this has had on your life,” said Anderson.
“The time that you’ve spent away from your family has surely been a very big sacrifice for you all. And I personally thank you and your family for making Wheatley a priority in all of your lives. And I’m forever indebted and internally grateful to you all for that.”
