Joey Rivers Honored with Life Time Service Award

Posted by Seth Duncan Friday, February 1, 2019 4:25:00 PM

The Town of Batesburg-Leesville is proud to announce that Wastewater Operations Manager Joey Rivers has been honored with a Life Time Service Award by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina. Mr. Rivers received the award at an annual awards ceremony on January 17th.

“For more than 40 years, Joey Rivers has dedicated himself to public service, the environment and the safe operation of wastewater treatment facilities,” says Ted Luckadoo, Town Manager. “He is an integral part of our team and we are proud to have him here in Batesburg-Leesville.”

Mr. Rivers began his career in the Town of Leesville where he literally powered a motor boat in the Town’s aerating lagoon before the aeration system was installed. His career moved on from Leesville taking him to other municipalities until eventually arriving at SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Over the course of 18 years with DHEC, Joey severed in numerous capacities including a sampling technician, field inspector and compliance monitor. After many years in the field, Joey became the compliance section trainer for field inspectors in Columbia until being hired by Richland County to serve as the Operations Superintendent.

Eventually Joey would long for the days of riding around in Leesville’s lagoons and so in 2016, he came back to Batesburg-Leesville. Now consolidated and somewhat modernized, Joey found that the Town has since retired the old motorboat he used back in the day for a disk aeration system. Joey now serves as Batesburg-Leesville Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Manager.

In addition to his many years of service to the public, Joey is a husband, father, and grandfather. When asked to describe the traits that make Joey, Joey, his colleagues have said that he’s trustworthy, humble, hard-working, and committed to success.

“We are grateful for Mr. Joey Rivers’ contributions to the field and are excited for his recognition,” said Mr. Luckadoo.