KANSAS CITY, MO – Samuel Lamerato, CPFP, fleet maintenance superintendent for the City of Troy, Mich., was named a 2008 Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA). He was presented the award on May 12, at Troy City Hall.   APWA honored 10 of the most outstanding public works professionals from across the United States and Canada for their professionalism, expertise, and career-long dedication and service. Marking the 49th year of the award, the distinction is among the most coveted presented by the association.

Lamerato has a long and valued history of service to his community and profession. Joining the City of Troy in 1974, he worked his way from service person to mechanic, leader, heavy equipment mechanic, foreman and, in 1982, to his current position as fleet maintenance division superintendent. He oversees the City’s fleet operation of more than 500 pieces of equipment, including 100 police vehicles, 36 fire apparatuses, and 56 pieces of snow removal equipment. Lamerato also manages two locations with a two-shift operation and 20 employees, and performs contract repair services for seven other municipalities.

He has been an active member of APWA since 1982, and has held the leadership positions at the national and chapter levels. Nationally, he was appointed Fleet Services committee chair for 2002-04; received appointment to the Daimler-Chrysler Fleet Advisory Council in 2004; and chaired the APWA Fleet Certification Governance Council in 2006. He received a Civilian Commendation from the Troy Police Department in appreciation for his contributions to law enforcement and, in August 2006, was appointed to the Daimler-Chrysler Police Advisory Board.

Lamerato received the APWA Michigan Chapter’s Meritorious Service Award in 1997, the Harold M. Hultquist Award in Recognition of Outstanding Service in 2002, and the Professional Manager of the Year Award, Fleet Maintenance, in 2005. In September 2007, he became one of APWA’s first Certified Public Fleet Professionals (CPFP).