We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2020/2021 Dedicated Commitment to Service Award, John Wagerle, Electric Distribution Superintendent for the City of Sterling. The Dedicated Commitment to Service Award, established in 2016, is presented by KMEA to recognize an employee of a KMEA member city who has, over a period of years, demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant local contributions to their municipal utility.
John started his career with the City of Sterling in February 1982 in the Public Works Department. While working for Public Works John began assisting Sterling’s electric department as a groundman, helping with the distribution systems delta-to-wye conversion project, and assisting with a March 1983 ice storm. After getting a taste for line work John decided to attend a lineman training school.
In July 1984 he left the city to attend lineman school at Pratt Community College. He returned to the City of Sterling in May of 1985 as an apprentice lineman and was appointed Distribution Superintendent in April of 1990. Over the years John has seen many changes and upgrades to the electric distribution system including the 2007 ice storms reconductor/rebuild project, a sub-station feeder exit and take-off structure rebuild project and a few feeder circuit re-locate projects.
John was on Sterling’s volunteer fire department for 27 years serving as Sterling’s Assistant County Chief for 18 of those years. He has also served on KMGA and KMEA boards for several years.
John is married to his wife Patty and a father to his stepson Nick for 34 years until his passing. His hobbies include motorcycles, gardening, outdoor cooking, and he is known for his armadillo trapping skills.
Please join us in thanking John for his outstanding performance and contributions to his municipal utility and to KMEA/KMGA!
