Employee Spotlight: Concrete & Stormwater Foreman

Published on December 30, 2021

Gary driving a snowplow

Long-time Belton resident Gary Dupus has worked for the city of Belton’s public works department for nearly 30 years as a concrete/stormwater foreman. Day to day he lines out jobs for his team, executes concrete work and stormwater projects and performs daily maintenance.

 

“I enjoy making a difference in the city through my work,” says Gary Dupus. “I work alongside a team that cares about their quality of work, the city and its people”.

 

His favorite project is finishing concrete by edging and brushing (adding texture). It is important to do quality work since concrete lasts 75 years, much longer than asphalt, Dupus explained.

 

In addition to concrete and stormwater projects, he and the rest of the team prepare for the winter weather long before the rest of us even think about snow. Dupus is a part of the snowplow crew and is on-call throughout the winter season, frequently working through the holidays and missing time with family.

 

Prior to 2008, snowplow drivers worked 24-hour shifts during inclement weather. “Switching to 12-hour shifts was a smart choice and has been much better for the team,” says Dupus, who is ready to take on this winter season.

 

Each shift has its own difficulties, whether daytime or nighttime.  During the day, snowplow drivers must be alert to traffic and avoid becoming snow blind from the reflection of the sun, while night-shift drivers must maneuver around parked cars and experience decreased visibility. (All citizens can do their part by not parking on the street when inclement weather is expected!).

 

Gary's Gas Pumps

 

During his free time, Dupus enjoys restoring old gas pumps. “I don’t always restore them to original condition,” says Dupus. “I restored a Philips 66 pump and kept it for myself. After I restore them, I give some to friends or sell them… but I mostly keep them for myself.”

 

He also enjoys a wide variety of woodworking projects, most of which are in his home at his wife’s request, such as cabinets and other home décor.

 

Dupus is a Belton high school graduate and has dedicated the majority of his career to serving the citizens of Belton. He has played a key role in the replacement of critical infrastructure in the city. He looks forward to continuing his work until his retirement, which is on the horizon.   

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