Charles “Woody” Coe, III, center, holds his plaque with Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer, Seth Myers, environmental resource specialist with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health, Sue Kemnitzer, chair of the municipality’s water board, and Frank Welch, director of public works. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Charles “Woody” Coe, III, chief operator of Shepherdstown’s water plant, received the prestigious Perkins Boynton Award on May 25.

The award is presented to two active public water utility operators each year.

This honor is given in the name of Perkins Boynton, West Virginia’s first certified public water supply operator. Serving the City of Clarksburg for over 40 years during the first half of the 20th century, Boynton was a mentor to many in his day. In 1940, Boynton received the George Warren Fuller Award, the first public water system operator to be so recognized.

The George Warren Fuller Award is a national award presented annually by the American Water Works Association to the sections’ respective selected members for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering.

The Perkins Boynton Award, in West Virginia, goes to two individuals who have distinguished themselves among their peers. One award goes to a small water utility operator serving less than 3,300 persons and the other to a larger water utility operator serving more than 3,300 individuals. Recipients of the awards are nominated by district engineers and West Virginia AWWA members, and the awards on voted on by members of the AWWA board of directors.

Coe received the award for the large system. He began working at the Shepherdstown location after graduating high school. He became a Class 1 operator in 2004, a Class 2 operator in 2005 and advanced to a Class 3 operator in 2009. He has served as chief operator for eight years. In addition, he assists several smaller systems and is also the chief operator of Potomac Farms Water.

Coe was nominated for the Perkins Boynton Award by Alan Marchun, district engineer. Marchun told those selecting the award recipient that Coe is involved with all aspects of the water system — from backflow to distribution to preventing violations — and has an excellent track record.

Traveling from Fairmont to present Coe with a plaque was Seth Myers, environmental research specialist with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health.

In his spare time, Coe enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons and in coaching several youth sports.