Larry Wade receives his award during a ceremony at Monterey Bay Aquarium June 26. From left, USFWS Director Dale Hall, Region 8 Deputy Regional Director Ken McDermond, Larry Wade, Mrs. Wade, and Regional Director Steve Thompson. (USFWS photo: Scott Flaherty)

John Bradley, San Francisco Bay NWRC

Larry Wade of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Fremont, Calif.,  was recognized by Regional Director Steve Thompson as Region 8’s Wage Grade Professional of the Year, for his outstanding contribution to the Complex facilities’ maintenance program.  Within months of his arrival on the San Francisco scene in 2004, Larry set a high standard and customer responsive work ethic that quickly led to major achievements in addressing the daunting maintenance needs of a large urban refuge complex. Larry, accompanied by his spouse, accepted the honor at an evening reception and awards presentation staged at the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California.

Larry started in the Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service in 2001, at the Pocosin Lakes NWR in North Carolina, as their lead mechanic and collateral duty fire fighter. In his work-a-day life at the San Francisco Bay refuge complex, Larry is a carpenter, electrician, mason, welder, plumber, heating equipment installer, pipe fitter, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and above all a problem solver. His tenure at the complex has been studded with project accomplishments and leadership successes. He spearheaded the implementation of the Complex’s Service Asset Management and Maintenance System (SAMMS) database.  Relying almost entirely on annual maintenance funds, Larry has created much needed office and equipment storage facilities, repaired critical equipment failures, rehabilitated public trails and wayside exhibits, and the list goes on.

It is not only the more visible achievements that speak to Larry’s rock-solid contribution to the mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service, but also the equally important interpersonal environment that Larry has created and cultivated within the Complex.  He accomplishes this by managing and leading the maintenance work team by good example, by high expectations, by affirmative feedback, and due respect. He has been an exceptional leader, one who recognizes the unique talents of his co-workers, and who is held in high esteem by them.  He is an unusually effective teacher and mentor for those he supervises.

What sets Larry apart from many others and makes him exceptional, according to his colleagues, is his remarkably positive “can do” attitude.  His style of communication is open, honest, direct and sensitive; his input is always thoughtful and practical.  His love for the out-of-doors, his fascination with geology and his avocation for landscape and wildlife photography only add to the character he has forged as a wage grade worker and leader in the National Wildlife Refuge System.