2026 Awards Recipients
Wessler Engineering
Wessler Engineering was honored for its outstanding support of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water through its commitment, service, and advocacy. The company has gone far beyond traditional sponsorship by actively supporting Alliance programs, events, and initiatives throughout the year.
From sponsoring one-day training lunches and participating in Alliance events to holding a board seat, attending associate board meetings, donating meeting space, supporting Women in Water initiatives, and contributing to programs like the Best Tasting Water in Indiana competition, Wessler Engineering has remained a strong and engaged partner in the Alliance's mission. This recognition is especially meaningful as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Each year, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water has the distinct honor of recognizing some of the very best in Indiana's water and wastewater industry through its Awards of Excellence program. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact through their dedication, leadership, and service. Honorees are nominated by peers, coworkers, managers, and board or council members and recognized during the luncheon at the annual Spring Conference.
The Alliance proudly congratulates Wessler Engineering and Linda Wessler on this well-deserved recognition.
Donald "Dino" Schmaltz
Schmaltz was honored for his decades of service, professionalism, and technical expertise. Beginning his career in 1978, he has spent years serving his town with reliability, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to dependable utility operations.
He is known as a trusted voice of reason within the utility and the community, someone who has stepped up during challenging moments and helped mentor the next generation of operators. His lasting contributions have strengthened both his system and the people around him.
Each year, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water has the distinct honor of recognizing some of the very best in Indiana's water and wastewater industry through its Awards of Excellence program. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact through their dedication, leadership, and service. Honorees are nominated by peers, coworkers, managers, and board or council members and recognized during the luncheon at the annual Spring Conference.
The Alliance congratulates Dino Schmaltz on this outstanding honor.
Brad Croomer
Croomer was honored for his leadership, technical skill, and dedication to the utility and community he serves. Since joining the City of Huntingburg in 2010 and stepping into the role of Wastewater Superintendent in 2019, he has become known for his commitment to public health, operational excellence, and support of his staff and fellow operators.
Under his leadership, Huntingburg is moving forward with the largest construction project in the city's history - a major investment that will improve treatment capacity, system performance, and long-term compliance. He is also recognized for mentoring others, promoting safety, investing in employee development, and taking pride in his facility and his community.
Each year, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water has the distinct honor of recognizing some of the very best in Indiana's water and wastewater industry through its Awards of Excellence program. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact through their dedication, leadership, and service. Honorees are nominated by peers, coworkers, managers, and board or council members and recognized during the luncheon at the annual Spring Conference.
The Alliance proudly congratulates Brad Croomer on this well-earned recognition.
Cathy Moore
Moore was honored for the vital role she plays in the success of her utility. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and consistency, she was described as the face of her workplace - greeting everyone who walks through the door or calls with kindness and care.
Her work helps keep daily operations running smoothly through customer service, communication, organization, and attention to detail. Her positive spirit and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on both staff and customers while helping create a welcoming and well-run environment throughout the facility.
Each year, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water has the distinct honor of recognizing some of the very best in Indiana's water and wastewater industry through its Awards of Excellence program. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact through their dedication, leadership, and service. Honorees are nominated by peers, coworkers, managers, and board or council members and recognized during the luncheon at the annual Spring Conference.
The Alliance proudly congratulates Cathy Moore on this well-deserved recognition.
Charles “Chuck” Prieto
Prieto was honored for an outstanding 45-year career marked by exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and an enduring commitment to public service. As Filtration Supervisor at Hammond Water Works, he oversees one of the utility’s most critical operations and leads his team with professionalism, accountability, and pride.
Throughout his career, Prieto has played a key role in advancing treatment processes, implementing technology improvements, and strengthening the overall performance and reliability of the system. His deep institutional knowledge, calm leadership, and dependable presence have made him a respected figure within Hammond Water Works and across Indiana’s water industry.
Under Prieto’s guidance, Hammond Water Works has also received statewide and regional recognition for excellence in water quality. The utility earned the title of Best Tasting Water in Indiana last year and continued that momentum at the 2026 Spring Conference by winning the first regional water taste test held during the conference’s Best Tasting Water in Indiana competition. These achievements reflect the high standards Prieto has helped cultivate and his team’s commitment to delivering outstanding water service to the community.
Each year, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations through its Awards of Excellence program. These awards honor those who have made a meaningful impact on Indiana’s water and wastewater industry through dedication, leadership, innovation, and service. Honorees are nominated by peers, coworkers, managers, and board or council members, and are celebrated during the annual Spring Conference.
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water extends its sincere congratulations to Chuck Prieto on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his many years of dedicated service to the industry and the communities he has served.
Pat Beamon
Pat Beamon has spent more than 40 years serving the wastewater industry with exceptional dedication, knowledge, and heart. Through his work with Wastewater Process LLC and his long-standing partnership with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, he has made a meaningful difference for utilities and operators across Indiana.
Pat is not only respected for his technical expertise but also admired as an amazing teacher who has invested in others by sharing his experience and helping professionals grow. His lasting contributions, commitment to environmental stewardship, and sincere care for this industry make him a worthy recipient of the James E. Burch Steward of the Environment Award.