Master equipment operator Harry Boss received the 2021 Murphy Snoderly Award, recently presented at the Tennessee Municipal League Annual Conference.
Boss began his 30-year service with the City as a Public Service Worker. Since then, he has held various Equipment Operator positions and is currently serving as the Master Equipment Operator. With his help, many of Boss’ coworkers have been offered promotions and/or obtained their CDLs.
Public Service Department Director Rachel Butzler nominated Boss for the recognition.
“Harry has demonstrated patience, tact and tenacity when working with all skill levels, overcoming various roadblocks that employees may experience,” she wrote in the nomination.
For the past six years, Boss has been responsible for training all employees on numerous pieces of equipment, passing on his knowledge of skills and safety techniques. His teaching approach successfully blends engaging classroom instruction with the hands-on operation of more than 20 different types of equipment, ensuring that every employee correctly implements vehicle walk-around inspections.
Boss’ current position also relies on his ability to communicate with other Departments within the City, including but not limited to Fleet, Civil Service, and Human Resources. Harry’s approachable demeanor and his ability to read the needs of every situation have made him a tremendous asset in inner-departmental collaborations.
The annual award, which goes to the state’s “most outstanding non-administrative public works employee,” is named after Murphy Snoderly, Johnson City’s first City Manager in 1939. Murphy firmly believed that public works employees deserve recognition for their hard work and commitment to public service and the work that allows cities to function properly.
Harry is not only skilled at imparting the necessary knowledge to prepare employees’ technical skills, but is also great at helping them feel at ease in any situation. His bad jokes can crack a smile on any face, easing tension so that employees can focus.
“Harry is considering retiring in the next 2-3 years, and finding a replacement who brings his knowledge, approachability and passion for teaching and helping others will be a challenge,” said Butzler.
Congratulations, Harry!