FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 1998

Contact: Carol Carpenter, 303-275-1237

Fax: 303-275-1290

Western employee Darwin Carlson honored

GOLDEN, Colo.—Darwin Carlson, an electronic equipment craftsman for Western Area Power Administration in Waterton, S.D., was selected as one of five employees to receive the agency's 1998 Exceptional Service Award. He was presented with the award at special ceremonies today in Waterton and Huron.

Given annually, the award is based on outstanding overall service, improving departmental goals, accomplishing responsibilities in an exemplary manner, showing unusual initiative, demonstrating outstanding executive or technical ability and displaying unusual devotion to duty.

Carlson, who has worked at Western's Watertown Operations office since 1981, has distinguished himself as an electronic communications specialist who regularly "goes above and beyond the call of duty" to accomplish his duties. Among his other contributions, he designed an interface to a digital phone systm, devised a cabling plan for Watertown's phone system and created a wiring plan for Watertown's dispatch center.

Additionally, through his innovative suggestions to improving his office's operation, he has saved Western countless dollars.

Michael S. Hacskaylo, Western's administrator who presented the award to Carlson, said, "It is a pleasure to recognize outstanding employees whose contributions to their work environment help Western meet its mission and goals. We honor Darwin Carlson for his commitment to duty, team spirit, initiative and vision—qualities that create an atmosphere of pride and goodwill throughout our organization."

Carlson said he appreciates the award and the opportunities he's had to provide assistance to Western personnel through the years. "I've been able to learn and apply my communications knowledge to my job," he said.

Enjoying photography, antique radios and working on proects around the house, Carlson lives in Watertown with his wife, Kathy, and daughter, Cecelia, 8.

Western Area Power Administration is a part of the U.S. Department of Energy. It annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants in 15 central and western states.

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