Patterson retiring from HWL

By submitted, 05/17/22 3:48 PM

HOPE – Hope Water & Light announces the retirement of Leslie R. Patterson II, after almost 50 years in the water industry.  Les has been employed at HWL since September 1995. Prior to joining the HWL team, Les worked for the Arkansas Department of Health as Engineer Supervisor, Blaylock, Threet and Associates as Consulting Engineer and General Waterworks Corp as Regional Staff Engineer.  Les holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Les’ professional affiliations include, American Water Works Association where he was awarded the George Warren Fuller Award for distinguished service to the water supply field in 2010.  He was awarded the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award of Southwest Section – Water for People outstanding service award in 2002.  On May 2, 2022 Les was inducted into the Glen T. Kellogg Water & Wastewater Hall of Fame at the AWW/WEA Annual Water & Wastewater Conference in Hot Springs.  This prestigious award is awarded once a year to an outstanding individual in the water or wastewater industry.  The award was named after Mr. Kellogg who was Chief Sanitary Engineer for the Arkansas Department of Health.  Les’ photo will hang on the wall of the Arkansas Department of Health along with other awardees indefinitely.

We at HWL are so very proud of his accomplishments.  Les has been actively involved in Hope and Hempstead County.  Some of you know him as the Water Wizard along with his Water Rap.  He is a member of Hope Rotary Club/Rotary District and Boy Scouts of Arkansas where he earned the Silver Beaver Award.  He is Cubmaster for Pack 5 Hope, Arkansas Other community involvement includes:  Hempstead County Health Expo, Hempstead County Health Coalition, Sunday School Teacher and Minister at First Christian Church.

A reception honoring Les will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at the Water & Light office from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  The public is invited to attend.