Steffen recognized for training City of Clinton Public Works manager Tony Steffen, right, receives a Public Sector-Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health (MESH) certification from Mayor Lew Starling in recognition of more than 100 hours of training completed as part of a series sponsored by the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, N.C. State University and the N.C. Department of Labor. The training is designed to increase professionalism of safety and health managers in local governments through a rigorous series of continuing education programs. Starling applauded Steffen for the excellence shown in his effort and hard work each day. Public works director Jeff Vreugdenhil said Steffen has been instrumental in implementing and facilitating training among staff. 'Tony has willfully accepted a challenge to lead our Public Works organization with a new emphasis on promoting safety and health within our workforce,' said Vreugdenhil. 'We have already realized an increase in safety and health awareness within our ranks. I look forward to taking full advantage of Tony's leadership to educate our workforce on the importance of proper management of health and safety concerns.' (Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent)