Apple Valley, CA – December 18, 2014: Paul Ruggles is one of those workers whom employers are lucky to find. Well trained, good natured and extensively certified, the Town of Apple Valley was fortunate to hire him in 2006. His expertise, positive work ethic and willingness to accept a challenge are just a few of the reasons Ruggles was chosen as the Town of Apple Valley’s 2014 Employee of the Year.
Ruggles was recognized for the honor at the Town’s annual employee recognition dinner this month.
“The Town is fortunate to have Paul, an individual who enjoys coming to work each day and looks forward to every challenge he faces,” said Assistant Town Manager Denis Cron. “He also takes every opportunity to help others be successful.”
Ruggles, an employee in the Public Works division for eight years, was assigned to oversight of the corporate yard in July 2009. Responsible for vehicle and equipment maintenance, he has continued to advance his education and skills by earning multiple automobile brake, lubrication and inspection certifications for cars, light trucks and heavy duty diesel trucks. He was promoted to Maintenance Worker II in January 2013.
“This, by far, is the best job I’ve had,” said Ruggles. “I like working on vehicles and fabricating things, and when you do what you love, it’s not work.”
In addition to his work on automobiles, Ruggles is also adept in pipeline cleaning and inspection. This skill alone has saved the Town countless dollars by preventing major pipeline backups or breaks to the town’s infrastructure.
Prior to working for Apple Valley, Paul worked for Cooley Construction for three years. Before that, he worked in auto collision repair and owned his own auto body repair business for a time.
The Employee of the Year award is determined by co-workers from a pool of employees who were previously designated as Employees of the Quarter during the calendar year.
“Paul is easy going and has a great sense of humor,” said Lance Miller, Public Works Manager. “He has an eagerness to please and accomplishes any task or request with great efficiency and timeliness.”
Paul and his wife Angela have been married for 13 years. They have two children, Paulina, 13, and Brody, 3.
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