Operator in Responsible Charge Sam Dunevant will retire Aug. 31 after more than 17 years with the town.

“Sam has been an asset to the Water Treatment Plant,” said Nathan Cates, the plant’s superintendent. “His experience and knowledge are going to be greatly missed.” 

Dunevant began working for the Town of Hillsborough as an equipment operator in the Public Works Division in January 2009, when he and his wife returned to the area to live near young grandchildren. He enjoyed working on projects with the town’s water distribution crew. After a couple of years, he joined that crew as a utility maintenance technician.

In 2017, Dunevant started working at the Water Treatment Plant as an operator while he continued to earn certifications through the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board. He became certified as an operator II in 2018 and an operator III in 2020. In 2021, he became the operator in responsible charge. This position is required by the state and is responsible for ensuring total compliance with state drinking water standards. 

“I had a keen interest in it, and I picked up on it pretty quickly,” Dunevant said. “I love this job. The town is a great place to work. I’d recommend it to anyone.” 

He looks forward to playing golf more often once he’s retired.

“Sam Dunevant has been a dedicated leader at our water treatment plant,” Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz said. “His ideas, professionalism and commitment to the town and its water customers have greatly benefited our operations. We will miss him yet wish him a wonderful retirement filled with family time, fishing, golf and all the things he loves and wants to do.”