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Employees Honored by Cambridge Public Works

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 7 years ago.

Own and Mike
Four Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) employees were honored with the Ruth and Carl F. Barron Family Achievement Award for the third and fourth quarters of 2016 on March 8, 2017.

Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works, recognized Michael Abcunas, Paulo Almeida, Astroy Shepherd, and Richard Vendetti at a ceremony at DPW headquarters attended by their peers.

Michael Abcunas is a Sewer Use Compliance Officer who started with Public Works in November 2006. He is responsible for managing the Remedial Sewer Repair Contract and the Pipe Cleaning and Inspection Contract. Both of these contracts are critical to the proper functioning of the City’s sewer system. Mike also maintains several flow meters and the City’s combined sewer overflows so that timely notification of activations can be reported.

“Mike is a consistently hard worker,” said DPW Commissioner O’Riordan. “He has worked hard for us over the last 10 years and produced quality work.”

Paulo Almeida, a native Cantabrigian, is a Construction Utility Inspector/Lic. who started with DPW in February 2013. In his role, he coordinates utility excavations and reviews permits.

“He has brought great experience, skill, and knowledge to his position,” said Commissioner O’Riordan. “Paulo’s job can be stressful, but he always faces every situation with enthusiasm, dedication, and attention to detail.”

Astroy Shepherd started with DPW as an MEOI/Laborer in April 2008 in our Sanitation Division. In 2014, he was promoted to MEOII/Laborer and has done an outstanding job.

“He works hard, is always courteous, and does everything asked of him without complaint,” said Commissioner O’Riordan. “Astroy has a positive attitude and takes pride in the work he does to serve Cambridge residents.”

Richard Vendetti is a highly skilled and licensed Tree Climber/MEOIIA who started with DPW in the Parks and Urban Forestry Division in June 2014.

“Richard is always extremely reliable and confident in what he does,” said Commissioner O’Riordan. “He has a great work ethic and always a positive attitude towards his work and coworkers. “

The Ruth and Carl F. Barron Family Achievement Award, established in 1992, is, “Presented in recognition of outstanding productivity, distinguished performance and service to the City if Cambridge and Department of Public Works.” Mr. Barron, a fixture in Cambridge, was an enthusiastic supporter of the City of Cambridge and the Department of Public Works.

Interested in a career at Public Works? Visit http://www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/jobs to review our current job openings.
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 3:36 AM
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