CHESTER - One of the city's water department employees has received a distinguished award.

Chris Allen, superintendent of the Chester water department, was presented with the Fred Stottlemyer System Manager of the Year award during the West Virginia Rural Water Association's 24th Annual Training and Technical Conference Banquet.

"It was really an honor to win that award," Allen said. "I was really amazed at how big a deal it was."

Allen was chosen for the Fred Stottlemyer award from system managers throughout the state.

"It's pretty substantial to receive that," city Mayor Ken Morris said at a previous council meeting.

On Oct. 28, the City of Chester and the Chester Water Board joined together to co-sponsor an honorary dinner for Allen, held in the city building's multi-purpose room.

According to Chester Kitchen Committee member Mary Lawrence, the dinner drew more attendees than originally expected.

"We actually had a few more than we had confirmed," Lawrence said, adding that of the 80 people invited to attend the dinner, about 70 confirmed their attendance.

At the dinner, Allen stated that he has worked for the city for 33 years, and works closely with both the water and sewer board.

"They had a dinner for me that was rather amazing," Allen said of Oct. 28's event.

Members of the W.Va. Rural Water Association, the Hancock County Commission, and city council were present at the dinner to show their support.

The county commission presented Allen with a plaque which congratulated him on the award.

Allen gave much of the credit to his employees at the water department.

"I feel that I do projects now that I wouldn't have attempted years ago, because I have such a good water department," Allen said.

Allen started working for the city's water department about 33 years ago, and has served as the superintendent for approximately 25 years.