Consistency is a theme in Dave Wright’s life. The public servant has faithfully worked for the city of Swartz Creek, Mich., for more than 50 years.

Wright, who joined the city payroll shortly after high school, is the go-to person in the municipality’s department of public services. Over the years, his role has evolved, encompassing a diverse array of responsibilities. This fall, he’ll celebrate 55 years on the city’s roster. It’s a career path that brings new challenges and learning experiences each day.

“We take care of the streets, sewer and water,” he said. “We (maintain) parks, and we take care of city buildings. On any one day, we might do 12 to 15 different jobs. When you don’t do the same thing every day, it doesn’t get boring that way.”

Other services include waste management, brush chipping, snow removal, water meter reading and beautification.

Reflecting on his career path, Wright said he feels fortunate to have found his niche — and career stability — at such a young age. His work with the city has allowed him to develop professionally on the job while supporting a young and growing family.

“I didn’t enjoy working inside, so this is all pretty much outside work,” he said. “I had to work my way up, starting from General Motors, to eventually joining the city workforce.”

Naturally, he’s seen a great deal of changes in his tenure since 1969. For one, he’s borne witness to the lifecycle of the city’s infrastructure. He recalls a time when some of the water mains were new. Now, the city is investing in updating key elements of the systems.

“Because the water mains are over 50 or 60 years old, they’re replacing all of those right now out there and redoing the streets,” he said. “They’re putting new curbs and gutters out there. So, we’re getting less and less patching all the time.”

The passage of time has also meant changes in leadership. Wright said he’s worked under five managers, including his current one. He also recalls the people who’ve shaped his career path. At the time, as a young man, the men in the department took him under their wing. As a result, Wright said he learned a great deal about plumbing and electrical work.

Now, he’s the elder on staff, and he’s paying it forward.

“I have two newer comrades,” he said. “I hope I’ve taught them something. We have a (female colleague) who actually could outwork a lot of men. Her name is Rebecca, and she’s the crew leader now.”

Speaking of physical stamina, he acknowledges the physical demands of the work. Winter in Michigan, for instance, can be brutal due to frigid temperatures. However, his crew has to respond to pressing needs, rain or shine.

“The cold gets to you,” he said. “It may be 20-below-zero weather, but you have to go underground and fix a broken water main. It’s not fun.”

With factors like the physical environment adding to the demands, Wright acknowledges this is a young man’s job. However, so far, he’s had a great run in that area. He notes that he’s never had to take a leave of absence because of sickness or injury. He recently had a physical and was happy to report he’s in good health. What’s more, he’s never been laid off or had to go without a paycheck.

In retrospect, Wright acknowledges a key person in his life for making his professional achievements a reality. “I have to give my wife a lot of credit,” he said. “There’s been so many times when the boys were little that she’d be ready to go visit somebody and we’d get a call that a water main broke and I had to go to work.”

Speaking of water, Wright offers some practical advice for the next generation of public services colleagues. It relates to expanding the skill set to serve the needs of the community.

“There’s so much testing on the water, especially after that crisis down the street from us, in Flint,” he said. “So, I’d highly recommend a young (person) to study and get a water license. Here in town, they pay an extra $6,000 a year once you get your license.”

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