By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Oct. 26, 2017) The Berlin Electric Utility and Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence were presented awards from American Municipal Power at a Town Council meeting on Monday.

American Municipal Power, or AMP, is a nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider for 133 member utilities, including Berlin, in nine states.

The utility itself earned the Safety Award, “recognizing municipal electric systems for their safety performance” and Lawrence was given the Hard Hat Safety Award, which recognizes “an employee in each member community who demonstrates safety at all times,” according to AMP.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said the entire department was “very dedicated [and] very capable.”

He said Lawrence is “a classic case of leading by example.”

“The safety of our employees [and] the safety of our citizens and our guests is paramount,” Williams said, adding Lawrence emphasized safety from the moment he was hired.

“These two awards right here would be possible if it wasn’t for the entire crew,” Lawrence said. “Their jobs are very hazardous, very dangerous, and they’re always very professional and they strive to their jobs as safely as possible. And I want to thank all of [them] for that.”