Brookline DPW First Accredited in New England

Brookline's (DPW) earned a rare honor: national accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). This makes this department the first in New England to earn the honor, and the 65th in North America. 

The process of accreditation involved breaking the DPW's processes into , and comparing them to a national standard monitored by the APWA. Under former commissioner Tom DeMaio, the DPW began the process of accreditation, completed now under commissioner Andrew Pappistergion. 

"The Town of Brookline has always been a leader in the area of education, and a standard for the municipalities in Massachusetts. Your commitment to your schools, social services, open spaces and quality of life are an example for all to follow. Underpinning these community resources is a healthy environment infrastructure, managed by a distinguished public works department." APWA President, George Crombie added, "This is an outstanding accomplishment."

The Board was also quick to praise the DPW, especially in light of their clean-up.

"I think this would have been appropriate any year, but it's especially appropriate this year, after a hurricane on the week students were moving in," commented Selectwoman Jesse Mermell.

Often the loudest praise we get for the DPW is no comment at all--it means there are no complaints." Selectman Richard Benka added, "After most recent storm, I got a number of people--neighbors, people on the street (who tend to complain about everything)--just saying how wonderful a job the town did.”

Crombie presented Pappistergion with a plaque, which Pappistergion in turn presented to the Board of Selectmen, noting that the DPW has a plaque of its own in their office. The plaque presented will remain in Town Hall. Commissioner Pappistergion was joined by his board of directors, who joined the selectmen for a photo after the presentation.