THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Springfield, MA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recognized Eight Massachusetts Organizations and Citizens with Regional Environmental Awards.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and PRRM Director Patrick J. Sullivan joined a video call today with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Dennis Deziel and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Martin Suuberg to honor the 2020 EPA Environmental Merit Award recipients.
Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management for the City of Springfield, has been recognized as a 2020 Environmental Merit Award – Lifetime Achievement winner for his dedication to the protection and support of the environment. EPA New England’s annual Environmental Merit Awards are given to community leaders, scientists, government officials, business leaders, schools, and students who represent different approaches, but a common commitment to environmental protection.
Mayor Sarno stated, “My ‘Wizard of Oz’ – Pat Sullivan – congratulations on a well-earned and deserved lifetime achievement award. Pat has always been my ‘Green Person.’ His visionary and practical leadership has not only been good for our environment, but also ‘the bottom line’ of our budget too. Congrats and thanks again, Pat – well deserved and prestigious honor.”
PBRM Executive Director Sullivan stated, “I am very honored and humbled that the Mayor has submitted my name to the EPA for this award. It has been very rewarding working for Mayor Sarno for the past 12 years, and accomplishing and improving the overall environment for our city. We are making great strides both in the energy management of our buildings and in the reduction of synthetic fertilizers across our open space throughout the City. The citizens have realized great environmental impacts across the city from the Mayor’s efforts and I am proud to have been the steward of these projects. We have more work to do and I look forward to working with the Mayor on these continued efforts.”
In 33 years with the city, Director Sullivan has been instrumental in a number of environmental projects including overseeing $500 million in school renovation projects, establishing a technical environmental team for both parks and buildings, and introduced less toxic cleaning, maintenance, and curriculum products, along with launching an integrated pest management system in city buildings.
Director Sullivan, nominated for this award by Mayor Sarno, has spearheaded over $80 million in park construction projects, has helped improve lakes and ponds, rebuilt dam infrastructure, and acted as Mayor Sarno’s point person for initiating “Going Green” in the city, ensuring their success with his diligence, dedication, and enthusiastic commitment to environmental initiatives.
The EPA New England Environmental Merit Award 2020 event can be viewed at the link below (Patrick Sullivan’s segment is at the 8:14 minute mark).