Make TBO Your Home Page| Subscribe To The Paper| Advertise With Us| Contact Us| Login| Edit Profile| Register
Suncoast Pinellas News
Email
Print
Tarpon treatment plant technician becomes lifesaver
Mark Schantz/SUNCOAST
Tarpon Springs waste-water treatment plant technician Howard Arter received the Florida Water Environment Association Award for saving the life of a supervisor at the facility in which they worked from Mayor Beverley Billiris.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: May 23, 2009
TARPON SPRINGS - Lightning-fast reflexes of a technician at the city's waste-water treatment plant saved the life a fellow co-worker.
Tuesday night city commissioners praised Howard Arter's efforts, awarding him the Florida Water Environment Association's Samuel R. Willis Award for individual heroism.
Last year, Arter was assisting the chief operator at the facility, Rob Marcincuk, when the grating upon which they were standing suddenly collapsed.
Without hesitation, Arter reached out and quickly grabbed the arm of his co-worker, preventing him from falling into the flow channel of the sewage treatment plant. He held onto his arm and called on his radio for help, according to Juan Cruz, public services director who nominated him for the award.
"This selfless action not only prevented the chief operator from sustaining serious injury but most probably saved his life," Cruz wrote.
Tuesday night commissioners recognized Arter, who was shy over all the hoopla, for his heroism. On Wednesday, Judy Staley, city spokeswoman, said Arter and Marcincuk had respectfully declined a request for an interview.
The plant operator did not immediately realize the seriousness of the event and was extremely thankful to Arter for his help, Staley said. Only after it was over did the plant operator realize it could have been fatal, she said.
Arter said he did not have time to think about what occurred, Staley said. He just reacted to prevent the chief operator from falling all the way into the treatment basin.
Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2009 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
