Frontline & Trades Hero Finalists - Excellence in Public Service Awards

Public service depends on the skilled hands and steady presence of the City employees who keep St. Louis running every day.

Presented as part of the inaugural Excellence in Public Service Awards, the Frontline & Trades Hero Award honors dedicated City employees whose hands-on work in the field, in the shop, and in our neighborhoods keeps essential services running safely and reliably for residents, often in difficult conditions and when it matters most.

Whether making an emergency repair at the scene of a fire, leading Forestry crews through tornado recovery, or keeping the City’s street sweepers on the road through steady everyday work, this year’s three finalists embody the highest standards of the Excellence in Public Service Awards and the spirit of frontline public service.

Join us at the Rotunda, City Hall, on Tuesday, October 13, as we celebrate these outstanding public servants and reveal the recipient of the Frontline & Trades Hero Award! The Excellence in Public Service Awards program runs from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Jerry Buettner

Equipment Services Division, Board of Public Service

Jerry Buettner helps keep the City's fire trucks and refuse trucks safe, reliable, and ready to serve the public. As a Fleet Maintenance Foreman 2 at Shop 20, he oversees the mechanics' daily work, coordinates repairs and preventive maintenance, and works with vendors when a vehicle needs specialized service.

One Saturday night a few years ago, Jerry was called to a fire near the riverfront. The hydraulic system on ladder truck HL3 had stopped working with its ladder extended more than 100 feet over a burning building, and the fire was moving closer. Working on scene, he made a temporary repair that allowed the crew to lower and secure the ladder safely. Back at the shop, he traced the failure to a computer node that controls the hydraulics and replaced it with a working part from a truck already out of service. The crew returned to the same fire that night.

Jerry followed his father into City service. His father spent more than 30 years as a City mechanic, and Jerry now works at the same shop where his father finished his career. Outside of work, Jerry enjoys time with his wife and their two children, often at Willmore Park, where the family plays pickleball and enjoys the playground. He also works on his own car and motorcycle.

“I’m proud that I stayed calm under pressure, protected an important piece of equipment, and helped the firefighters get back to their work.”

Damond Wiley

Forestry Division

Damond Wiley oversees the daily operations of the City's Forestry Division, making sure crews have the people, equipment, and direction they need to work safely and efficiently. He coordinates employees and crews, assigns work, addresses operational issues, monitors job performance, and makes sure services are completed properly for the residents and neighborhoods the Division serves.

Following the May 16, 2025 tornado, Damond worked alongside residents during the cleanup. Forestry crews and neighbors put in long hours together, clearing debris and removing hazardous trees as neighborhoods began to recover. For Damond, it was a reminder of why public service matters so much to him.

He was drawn to public service by the chance to make a positive difference in the community he calls home, through work that directly benefits people. Knowing that his team helps keep neighborhoods safe, clean, and cared for is what continues to motivate him. Outside of work, Damond enjoys watching sports and working out, and he likes to think he can keep people laughing. Most of all, he values time with his family.

“It was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to serve my community when people needed us the most.”

Nathan Schmittgens

Equipment Services Division, Board of Public Service

Nathan Schmittgens is responsible for the upkeep and repair of City vehicles, with a specialty in street sweepers.

Asked about the work he is most proud of, Nathan does not point to a single moment. In his view, there are no large, flashy projects in his work, only everyday jobs, and every one of them matters to keeping the City's fleet in good shape.

Nathan's family has lived in the City for generations, and he is raising his own family here. He chose public service because he wanted to give something back. Outside of work, he plays softball in Forest Park and takes his family on vacation adventures to national parks.

“There are no large flashy projects, just simple everyday jobs. But they are all important to keeping the fleet in good shape.”