Mayor honors Owosso Department of Public Services employees for achieving state water certifications

Mayor Robert J. Taish on Feb. 3 presented a mayoral proclamation recognizing employees of the Owosso Department of Public Services and Utilities for earning state water certifications.

The proclamation named Daniel (Dan) Humphreys (Streets Foreman), Kevin Blair (skilled operator), Noah Arand (plant shift attendant), Brooke Steckschulte (plant shift attendant) and Ryan Suhanik (director of Public Services and Utilities). The mayor noted the recognition reflects continued professional development in the department.

During remarks at the podium, Ryan Suhanik, director of Public Services and Utilities, summarized each employee's certifications and the department's emphasis on training. Suhanik noted Humphreys progressed from no distribution certifications at the start of 2024 to S-4 and S-3, and then S-1 water distribution certification by winter; he referenced Humphreys' roughly 29 years of service. Suhanik also noted Kevin Blair earned an S-3 water distribution certification, Noah Arand earned an F-3 water treatment filtration certification (and had previously passed F-4), Brooke Steckschulte passed F-4 on her first attempt, and Suhanik himself holds F-2 and S-3 certifications plus stormwater and erosion-control credentials.

"I really think that they all are owed a round of applause just for how much hard work that goes in," Suhanik said, praising the employees' dedication to study and coursework outside working hours.

The mayor signed the proclamation "this third day of February, 2025," recognizing the employees for their work on behalf of Owosso residents.

The proclamation does not change duties or compensation; it is a ceremonial recognition of professional certifications.