Cape May Court House, N.J. – While on a recent lunch break, Middle Township Sewer Department employee Joe LaConte spotted a township vehicle on the side of a shopping center lot. It seemed a little unusual, so LaConte wanted to make sure everyone was safe.
When he approached the car, he learned Business Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen and Deputy Business Administrator Suzanne Schumann were awaiting some assistance from Public Works with a roadside matter.
Osmundsen and Schumann naturally assumed LaConte was the staff member who responded to their call for help. It wasn’t until another Township truck arrived that they realized LaConte was voluntarily taking on the job.
“Without being assigned, Joe stopped just to check on us,” said Osmundsen. “He gladly pulled out his shovel and rake, put on a pair of gloves, and joined in on our project, without ever blinking an eye. It’s employees like Joe who make Middle Township a better place to live and visit.”
To show her appreciation for LaConte’s kindness, Osmundsen nominated him for Middle Township’s Employee of the Month.
“It’s a privilege to be nominated,” said LaConte. “All I did was something simple. It should be a given that people help others, but I’m old school.”
Middle’s Sewer Administrator Steve Mills said LaConte deserves to be recognized as Employee of the Month at the Township Committee meeting on Dec. 5.
“Joe is always willing and ready to go above and beyond helping out with any project or job that needs to be done,” said Mills.
LaConte plans to work at the township Sewer Department until he retires. He is enrolled in wastewater and water treatment classes at Atlantic Cape Community College and plans to take a state exam in the spring to earn a license.
“The best part of my day is being outside all the time,” said LaConte. “I don’t care if it snows or rains. I am driving and going from one place to another. Every day is different.”