Beck named DEQ Public Servant of the Year

By Kimberly Mazza

CHEYENNE - Jared Beck has been named 2023 Public Servant of the Year for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Beck is the agency's District 4 Engineer for the Air Quality Division (AQD) at the DEQ Lander Field Office and has been with the Division for more than a decade.

Over the last six and a half years, Beck collaborated with EPA Region 8 and EPA Office of Research and Development, and several Wyoming industry partners to develop a simpler and more efficient emissions test method that incorporates easy to use and accurate Portable Emissions Analyzers. The OTM-52 (Other Test Method) is now available for industry, state, local and tribal air agency uses.

"This is an example of all the creative energy and minds that we have here at the DEQ and the AQD," said Nancy Vehr. "Jared started with an idea and developed this concept of outlet-only testing of oil and gas combustors, working with other AQD staff, federal, state, local and industry partners."

Through many meetings, weekly phone calls, field tests, Beck shepherded the project into reality. "Jared managed to continue the test campaigns while navigating the additional challenges that COVID brought about," stated Vehr.

DEQ Director Todd Parfitt noted, "Jared's service and dedication to the agency and to our air quality is outstanding and deserves to be recognized. This award represents Jared's tremendous commitment to the agency and the State of Wyoming."

Each year, Parfitt and his seven division administrators host an employee recognition reception to recognize the exemplary efforts of each division's Public Servant of the Year nominees and to thank long-term employees for their years of service to the State of Wyoming.

Jared is honored as the 2023 Public Servant of the Year where the nominees are recognized for the high level of work they maintained throughout the previous calendar year.

Parfitt also addresses staff at the reception to update them on important work taking place within the agency and any events that may affect employees' work.

"OTM-52 was approved in the fall of 2023. As a result, we now have a method out there that improves air quality and the ultimate outcome of Jared's hard work, along with the many others involved in the project, improves the life and health of those we serve. Thank you and congratulations, Jared," stated Vehr.

Jared Beck attended the reception virtually at the Lander Field Office. His award will be presented to him in person when DEQ leadership conducts their annual visits to each field office this summer.

"This is a tremendous honor to be named the Public Servant for 2023. However, I could not have accomplished this without the involvement of our AQD team, the EPA, and the oil and gas industry. I am very grateful for this award and the recognition it brings."

Agency administrators also recognized the Watershed Protection HCB Program Team as DEQ's 2023 Team of the Year.

Other DEQ employees who were nominated for Public Servant of the Year are:

Administration Division: Sierra Oman

Abandoned Mine Land Division: Jane Nuoci

Air Quality Division and named Employee Public Servant of the Year: Jared Beck

Land Quality Division: Vanessa Romero

Solid and Hazardous Waste Division: Karen O'Dell

Water Quality Division: Tyler Harris

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