THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 10, 1995 TAG: 9511080179
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REBECCA A. MYERS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
It's been more than 14 years since Harold Weston taught air conditioning and refrigeration classes to Dennis Bagley, but the retired instructor remembers his star pupil well.
``At times, I had difficulty doing the teaching because he wanted to teach,'' recalled Weston, a retired instructor at the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology, where Bagley attended afternoon classes while a student at Deep Creek High School.
``And he did,'' said Weston. ``On a lot of occasions when his fellow students were having difficulty, and I didn't seem to be getting across to them, Dennis would say, `Let me try, Mr. Weston.' I'd let him try and, sure enough, he'd do the job.''
Weston praised his former student, who graduated in 1981, for being ``motivated'' and a ``go-getter.''
``He was one of the guys in the class who always understood what I was saying and what I was doing simply because he applied himself,'' said Weston.
Almost 15 years later, similar accolades were used to describe Bagley in a letter written to nominate him for the ``City Employee of the Year Award,'' given annually by the Merrimac Kiwanis Club.
``On the job, Mr. Bagley is a symbol of quality leadership and endless dedication. . . ,'' wrote Deputy City Manager C.W. ``Luke'' McCoy.
``He attacks every project with enthusiasm and the desire to provide quality work.''
Based on McCoy's two-page letter detailing Bagley's extraordinary work ethic, the Merrimac Kiwanis selected Bagley as the 22nd recipient of its award.
The honor came as a surprise to Bagley, 32, who didn't know he was in the running. The building maintenance superintendent was selected from among five nominees.
``I just come to work and do my job,'' said Bagley modestly. ``It's not really an award that you work to receive. It just happens because you do your job, I guess. I don't let all that get to me.''
Bagley started working for the city in March 1990 as a supervisor in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Six months later, he was asked to oversee the city's electrical crew when its supervisor was called away on military duty.
When the city learned the electrical supervisor would not return, Bagley was asked to handle both work groups, ``saving the city the cost of hiring a supervisor for the electrical crew,'' wrote McCoy.
Bagley has acquired even more responsibilities in the 17 months since the city eliminated the position of Properties Management Senior Superintendent as part of a reduction in force.
``It's part of the job,'' said Bagley when asked how he felt about the added work.
``It doesn't bother me. I enjoy extra responsibilities. It's just one of those things that comes with a responsible position.''
In the years before becoming a city employee, Bagley completed a four-year apprenticeship at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, then worked for an outside contractor.
In his spare time, Bagley coaches baseball for Wilson Little League, is president of the Olive Branch Football Association and teaches air conditioning and refrigeration at the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology.
He and his wife, residents of Westhaven, are expecting their second child in April. by CNB