BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: From left are Harold Hammond, John-Paul O’Driscoll and Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie.
In his report to the Prattville City Council Tuesday, Mayor Bill Gillespie wanted to show some appreciation and love to Autauga County Solid Waste Officer John-Paul O’Driscoll, who has announced he will be moving from the area.
Gillespie praised O’Driscoll for his work over the past 16 years for Autauga County and all of the assistance he has offered to the City of Prattville.
Gillespie said that O’Driscoll took his role seriously, but also knew how to have some fun along the way. He was extremely active in the community and worked with numerous organizations.
“Whether it was the Creek cleaning crew, or the Boy Scouts, so many organizations…you have been all over the place. You have definitely left a clean mark on the City of Prattville,” Gillespie said.
“In August 2000 we drove a U-Haul truck up here to Prattville for the schools,” O’Driscoll said. “We have been here almost 23 years. But we decided a year ago to move…we are headed to Florida. It has been a privilege and a wonderful experience working here and serving people. It has been amazing. I am just grateful for the years I have had and the fun I have had along the way.”
More about O’Driscoll from Autauga County’s website:
John-Paul O’Driscoll Developed & managed new mandatory solid waste collection program adopted by ordinance. Report to elected commission. Enforced compliance with ordinance & solid waste laws. Eliminated garbage dumps countywide. Convicted violators. Established countywide recycling for schools & communities through partnership. Chaired countywide litter prevention committee. Educated students, youths, senior citizens, elected officials, & public on solid waste law, recycling, & litter prevention (schools, fairs, workshops, seminars). Engaged youth groups in community service, recycling, cleanups, & leadership development. Executed grant projects for recycling & stream restoration. Collaborated with Extension Service, Chamber of Commerce, Master Gardeners, Lions Club, Scouts, Senior Services, Boys & Girls Club, industry, schools, civic groups, youth programs, courts, elected officials, churches, & volunteers on recycling, litter prevention, community improvement, & cleanups. Formed partnerships to solve problems/implement goals. Authored 2014 10-year SW Management Plan for municipal/county governments – ADEM-approved.
Editor’s Note: Mr. O’Driscoll, the EAN sends you a special thank you for your service. You always responded to calls, and would explain issues very well. (And we love your accent! We wish you the absolute best in your new adventure.)
