ATHENS-Forty-eight years ago, Steve Carter took a job with the City of Athens, repairing several gas leaks in the existing cast iron system.
That was in December 1975, and a few days later on Christmas Day, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Braly.
Through those years he served as a volunteer firefighter and purchasing agent for gas, water and sewer. He worked as a foreman of the Gas Department under the management of the late Bobby Higgins, and in 1984, he became superintendent of the department under the direction of then General Manager Tom Craven.
“I wore another hat as safety director for all utilities during that time until I was hired as manager in 1999,” Carter said.
Today, Dec. 12, Carter, attended his retirement party with his wife and family.
“I just want to thank the Good Lord, the City of Athens, my family, my customers and the
Athens and Limestone community for allowing me to do what I have enjoyed over the last 48 years,” Carter said. “I will miss my co-workers, the city employees, and many friends.”
Throughout his career, Carter and his family have supported numerous endeavors. Most recently, Carter and his wife Carol attended the first Ella the Elf Gingerbread House Contest, and Carter helped judge the children’s creations.
He and his staff created the Gas Department Grillers, a group that supports local non-profit, such as the Exceptional Needs Rodeo, Camp Hope and Athens Activity Center, by grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for event attendees.
“As managers, sometimes we forget customers include the community we live in and serve,” Carter said. “I wanted to give something back to the community. Grilling for different organizations seemed to me like a way to do that. Helping in any way we could to let the public, including our customers, know we are not all about providing a utility service.”
Public Works Director James Rich and Athens Fire and Rescue Chief James Hand both commended Carter for responding quickly to their departments’ requests for help.
“He has been the ‘go-to guy,’” Rich said.
Hand said Carter’s work to create Leak City, the Gas Department’s training facility, opened up avenues for firefighters and other responders to have access to various training programs. Leak City is a one-of-a-kind, small-scale city encompassing 2.5 acres that serves as a training facility for natural gas operators and offers other first responder training opportunities. Leak City contains homes, streets, streetlights and natural gas pipelines, all which play an important role in training.
“We have an exceptional training facility for our natural gas operators, firefighters and others, and that would not have happened without the support of Steve,” Hand said.
Responders and natural gas operators can train on responding to gas fires, other gas emergencies and rescue operations. The facility is supported by the Alabama Natural Gas Association.
“Steve literally started his work with the city in the ditches and worked his way up the ladder to manager,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “His innovative ideas led to the creation of Leak City, which provides training not only for our employees, but for natural gas operators from throughout the country who come to Athens to train.”
Carter said during his 48 years he has seen numerous changes. One major change he noted occurred in the Gas Department, which in the past, was solely dependent upon one pipeline – Alabama Tennessee – for gas volumes. Requirement changes allowed for “open access” which now requires Athens Gas to go to the well head and be dependent on several pipelines for load requirements.
Carter said another major change has been the development of more federal and state pipeline safety regulations, which ensures departments hire qualified and certified employees.
Based on his more than four decades of experience in various areas of work with the same employer, Carter offered this advice to those who are entering the workforce for the first time.
“The job you take is not all about compensation,” he said. “Benefits are an important part, and enjoyment in the work, whether the job is hard or easy. I worked some hard, long hours during my tenure, but providing for my family was my goal. I also enjoyed working with my city family.”
