Celebrating exceptional service in Maine’s clean water industry.
JETCC is honored to work with many talented professionals and organizations in our efforts to protect Maine’s environment. Each year, JETCC recognizes personnel, managers, facilities and/or organizations who demonstrate outstanding service, dedication and leadership to the industry. Award recipients will be announced at the MeWEA Fall Convention by a JETCC representative.
Founders Award
The JETCC Founders Award is given to a staff member in a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment system who has shown exemplary service in their role, such as keeping a plant running smoothly or boosting team morale. The award is given in honor of the late Jerome “Frenchie” Guervremont in recognition for his guidance to Maine’s environmental community, his years of service to the town of Rangeley, and for his contributions as one of the original founders of JETCC in 1985.
Now accepting nominations until Aug 12, 2025.
2025 Award Recipient
Jeremy Court, Biddeford Wastewater
This year’s award goes to a dedicated professional who has worked in all areas of wastewater from installing pipe to working in the lab. He has helped his system move away from reacting to issues and instead finding them and resolving them before they become a problem. This year’s Founders Award recipient is Jeremy Court of Biddeford Wastewater.
Eligibility
The JETCC Founders Award is given annually to an operator, maintenance worker, or laboratory personnel working in a municipal or industrial wastewater treatment system in Maine. The award recognizes a staff member working in a plant or wastewater system; It is not intended to recognize plant superintendents, system managers, or engineers (management staff).
Award criteria:
- Employment history and long-term service in a Maine wastewater system.
- Meritorious service during a significant event.
- Assumption of additional responsibility that resulted in a benefit to the community or industry.
- Community involvement away from the job.
Nominations can be made by any superintendent, trustee, or member of a governing board/management staff providing oversight to a wastewater system in Maine.
An Awards Nomination Committee will be established by JETCC to review all submissions.
Past Recipients
- Andrew Whitaker, Saco Water Resource Recovery Department (2024)
- Michael Antonelli, South Berwick Sewer District (2023)
- Dwayne Brown, Town of Falmouth (2022)
- Richard Fox and Joseph Pereira, Rockland Pollution Control Facility (2021)
- Matthew Ondra, Rockland Pollution Control Facility (2020)
- Edwin Woods, Lewiston Auburn Clean Water Authority (LACWA) (2019)
Lee Agger Award
The Lee Agger Award was established in 1990 in memory of Lee Agger, whose hard work in establishing JETCC was an inspiration to all who worked with her. The award was created by the JETCC committee to recognize fellow environmental professionals, facilities or organizations who have shown a similar dedication to JETCC.
2025 Award Recipient
Judy Bruenjes, Maine DEP
This year’s award goes to someone who has helped advance training efforts throughout her tenure at Maine DEP. She was instrumental in helping to organize and develop our Wastewater Operator School program and continues to teach multiple days of the program. She has a deep interest in helping operators advance their careers and develop the knowledge and skill required to ensure clean water in the state. This year’s recipient is Judy Bruenjes of the Maine DEP.
Eligibility
Selection criteria is based on meritorious support and service to environmental training in the state of Maine by an individual(s) or facility/organization. Nominations are made by the JETCC staff and committee members.
Past Recipients
- Travis Jones, Olver Associates (2024)
- Phyllis Arnold Rand, Greater Augusta Utility District & Compass Rose Training Solutions (2023)
- Rob Pontau, Brunswick Sewer District (2022)
- Ken Locke, Brewer Water Pollution Control Facility (2021)
- York Sewer District (2020)
- Peter Sherwood, Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District (2019)
Hanson Excellence in Management Award
The Hanson Excellence in Management Award was created in recognition of Leeann Hanson’s three decades of service to Maine’s water and wastewater industries through her role at NEIWPCC. One of Hanson’s significant contributions was the development and growth of the JETCC Management Candidate School (MCS). The MCS provides a critical training opportunity for those in a management role or who aspire to work in management.
Now accepting nominations until Aug 12, 2025.
2025 Award Recipient
Jonathan McCabe, Freeport Sewer District
This year’s recipient demonstrates excellence in management through leadership, ethics, and service. He has developed cost-effective solutions to aging infrastructure challenges that allow for uninterrupted plant operations. He communicates effectively about wastewater processes that build understanding among staff and customers. His professionalism is a great model for those he supervises. This year’s Hanson Excellence in Management Award recipient is Jonathan McCabe of Freeport Sewer District.
Eligibility
This award is intended to recognize a manager in the water and wastewater field who demonstrates commitment to their employees, their facility, and the clean water community. Nominations are evaluated by the JETCC committee based on the merits of the nominee and the testimony of the person who has nominated them.
Past Recipients
- Robert Lento, Mars Hill Utilities (2024)
- Lucien “Lou” Colburn, Brewer Water Pollution Control Facility (2023)
- Jane Carroll, Greater Augusta Utility District (2022)