We all need examples to look up to and follow. No matter how many self-help books we read, we also need living, breathing role models. And the closer to home the better. I hope that readers will enjoy these descriptions of some fine people who have served well, right here in the valley.

I should tell you that I am usually hesitant to single out individual members of my team in a forum like this. I know that for every one I mention, 10 others may feel left out — and we have so many exceptional employees here that I could never do justice to them all.

But now seems like a good time to make an exception. In light of the upcoming retirement of Wayne Parker, I would like to highlight him and a few other retiring or recently retired members of our team. In these descriptions, I hope you will find a nugget or two you can seek to emulate.

Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Parker

First is Wayne Parker, Provo City’s chief administrative officer. Wayne’s reputation is legendary. He’s been in the business for four decades, has served as the head employee at a number of cities and even served for a time with Gov. Leavitt. Not long ago, he received the City Manager of the Year award from the International Association of City Managers. How many people do you know who have essentially been named not best in the state or nation but in the world? Wayne has served as Provo City’s CAO under three mayors, forming an enormously helpful bridge between each of them.

Among his admirable attributes, the one I may miss the most is his ability to explain complicated issues in an easy-to-understand manner, providing deep background and details, all on a moment’s notice. He does it as fluidly as though he spent the night before thinking it through and boiling it down. What a gift to a mayor, to city council members and to residents! I have seen many times when a resident’s concerns in a council meeting have been calmed by his wisdom and perspective.

Wayne’s influence will be felt in Provo for decades to come. He and his family should be very proud of his achievements and legacy.

Fire Chief Jim Miguel

If you were to ask a Hollywood casting company to pick someone to star as a charismatic and inspiring fire chief, they would fail to come up with someone better than Chief Jim Miguel. Another four-decade veteran civil servant, Jim does so much more than look the part. He is the real deal. He is respectful, compassionate, loyal and kind. Behind the scenes, he is a servant leader. But when it’s time to lead, he steps out front with leadership practically exuding from him.

He was a blessing to a fire department that needed a boost. The energy and positivity infused by him will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to served with Chief Miguel.

Facilities Manager Dick Blackham

Dick is less outspoken than Wayne or Chief Miguel but just as dear to my heart. He nursed along our old City Hall, with all its warts and wounds, and then expertly assisted with our transition to a brand new one. He’s a detail-oriented professional. It was always cute to see this strong work-with-your-hands man put on his little reading glasses and double check that his lists were complete.

Amiable and reliable, I already miss his stopping by to check in on us.

Division Director Richard “Hawk” Snyder

Among those privileged to know him, this man is a legend. Hawk exemplifies the phrase “get ‘er done.” Although he is director of our streets division and could probably sit all day in an air-conditioned office, he exemplifies the old ethic that the king fights out in front. If there’s a dangerous or demanding job, he’ll jump in and take care of it, whether it’s bulldozing junk out of a river or knocking an old building down.

Underneath it all is a heart to serve and build.

One resident wrote in that he was stranded on the side of the road when Hawk drove up in his truck to see what was wrong. Soon, Hawk was calling another employee to get over there with an impact wrench. The resident worried aloud that this might get someone in trouble. “I’m the boss,” Hawk assured. The problem was quickly resolved, and the resident went on his way, but he paused that night to send his heartfelt thanks to my office. He ended with an assessment of Mr. Snyder that I wholeheartedly agree with: “He’s a good man.”

Final note: I’m doubly proud of Hawk because he and I were classmates at Provo High!

My thanks to each of these public servants for their decades of giving both their time and their hearts to Provo.

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