Shown from left are Martha Ackerman, first vice president of the Lions Club, DPW Employee of the Year Jeffrey Lafleur, Lions Club President Erin Hendrickson Freda and Mayor James Donchess. Courtesy photo/City of Nashua

NASHUA – Jeffrey Lafleur, a 25-year employee of the Department of Public Works, was recently named Employee of the Year by the Nashua Lions Club.

“I’m not the only one who deserves this, but I’m very glad to have won it,” said Lafleur, who now serves as the superintendent of Solid Waste. “I’m very honored.”

Ed Lecius of the Lions Club said this is the third year that the organization has recognized an Employee of the Year. However, Lafleur is the first DPW employee to receive the award.

Lafleur joined the DPW in the summer of 1998 and never looked back. During the past 25 years, he was instrumental in making the switch from diesel fuel to liquified gasoline, thus saving the city hundreds of dollars. Lafleur is also credited with extending the life of Nashua’s landfill by 50 years and helping to initiate the city’s automated trash collection.

“He’s kind of had a hand in everything,” said Lecius. “He’s a good solid choice.”

Mayor James Donchess lauded LaFleur for his years of service to the Gate City.

“I’d like to thank Superintendent LaFleur for being a great city employee and for all he continues to accomplish to keep Nashua’s Solid Waste Department running smoothly,” he said. “We all appreciate Jeff’s hard work.”

Ward 3 Alderwoman Patricia Klee said she has worked with Lafleur since she was elected to the Board of Aldermen six years ago.

“He has shown to be respectful and responsive,” she said. “He is innovative in his recommendations on how to extend the life of our landfill. The city is lucky to be blessed with amazing city staff like Jeff. I mean every word of what I say and it comes from my heart.”

Ward 2 Alderman Richard Dowd shared similar sentiments.

“Jeff is an outstanding, hardworking employee for the DPW,” he said. “He oversees the smooth operation of the city’s landfill and the work to open the new phase of the landfill. He is deserving of the award.”

Ward 6 Alderman Alexander Comeau described Lafleur as a “terrific manager.”

“His knowledge of the Solid Waste Department is always second to none,” said Comeau. “As the clerk of the Finance Committee, I especially appreciate Jeff’s willingness to come before the committee and explain the critical expenditures with impartial and extensive testimony. His thoroughness and transparency is a model for all city departments and Jeff being chosen as DPW Employee of the Year is more than well-deserved.”

Ward 1 Alderman Tyler Gouveia said the commendation came as no surprise.

“Jeff is exceptionally dedicated and has contributed so much to the success of the Solid Waste Department,” he said. “Jeff is a great asset to not just the Division of Public Works but to the whole city and is extremely deserving of this award.”