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Herb Poole Retires from the City after 30 Years

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Poole retires from city

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Herbert Poole retires from the City of Vicksburg after more than 30 years of service in the Sewer Department.

At a ceremony held today, Poole was recognized by Mayor George Flaggs and joined by about fifty co-workers and family. Poole was also presented with a plaque from the city and a cookout was held in his honor.

Poole retires
Mayor George Flaggs presents Poole with a plaque in recognition of his 30 years. Photo by David Day

A second generation city employee, his father ran the sewer department for 22 years, with Herb Poole serving Vicksburg for almost 31 years. He started with the city in May of 1993 on a crew truck. Later he started doing the lift stations and has been doing that for the last 20 years.

Speaking on the large number of people that turned out for his retirement, Poole said, “I try to treat everybody the same. Didn’t show any favoritism and treat them like I wanted to be treated. I tried to help the best I can.”

On his retirement Poole said he is “…just going to enjoy life, his kids and grandkids and not worry about the phone ringing and have to leave in the middle of the night.” Poole responded to hundreds of late night calls over the years to ensure the citizens of Vicksburg did not suffer a hardship.

“It’s been a pleasure serving y’all all these years. There’s a good group coming behind me that will take care of it,” said Poole. “If they’re doing a good job, tell them! And tell city hall they’re doing a good job. They’ll appreciate it. They don’t hear it no where near enough.”

The vital function of the Sewer Department

According to the City of Vicksburg website, the Sewer Department:

The City of Vicksburg Sewer Department is responsible for keeping both the sanitary and storm sewer lines open and flowing. Because of the terrain, the department employs the use of pumps and lift stations to keep the material moving. The department regularly cleans and repairs line and pumps to ensure the proper conveyance of the wastewater and the storm water run-off. The City of Vicksburg recently acquired a large vacuum truck that travels throughout the city removing debris from storm drains and collecting grease and other build-up in lines before they pose problems. The liquid and solids that are removed from the sewer lines are disposed of at the wastewater treatment plant and undergo further treatment there.

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