Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Jeremy Hicks has served as the City of Dora Street Department Supervisor for nearly 13 years. Though he’s now grateful to have found this line of work, his career began in a different field.
Jeremy’s father worked in a steel mill, and, growing up, he and his brothers always assumed they’d follow in those footsteps.
“I started in the steel mill when I was 17. My brothers and I grew up watching our dad do it, and our goal was always to work in a steel mill, too,” says Jeremy.
He began his career in the 1990s and worked there for several years. Although the money and insurance were excellent, he eventually grew tired of the repetitive tasks. He decided it was time for a change, and in 2011, on a lunch break at the Dora Café, he found that change.
“I was ready to get something to eat when I saw a job posting on the board. I had always wanted to work for the city but never had that opportunity,” Jeremy recalls.
The job posting was for the City of Dora Street Department, and soon after applying, Jeremy was hired as a general laborer in June 2011. Five months later, in November, he was promoted to supervisor, a role he has held ever since.
Rain or shine, Jeremy and his crew handle various maintenance tasks across the city, from cutting grass and picking up brush to repairing streets and buildings. He says his favorite part of the job is the variety: each day presents a new task.
“We never know what to expect. If it’s raining, we try to find things to do indoors. Sometimes, though, if it’s raining, we just have to get wet. And if it snows, we’re freezing. If it’s summer, then we’re burning up,” says Jeremy. “We just get out and do what has to be done. But I’d rather be outside than anywhere else. Looking back, I wish I’d been here for 30 years. I couldn’t go anywhere else and get what this job gives me.”
After 13 years, Jeremy reflects on his career with the Street Department and remains thankful for the welcome change it brought. He aims to continue serving his community and doing work he truly enjoys for many more years. WL
