Bockus is named director of East Hartford Public Works

Tim Bockus was recently named director of East Hartford Public Works by Mayor Marcia Leclerc. Bockus has been serving as acting director since Jan. 2011, and was in the emergency operations center during last years storm. File photo.

Timothy Bockus, who has been acting director of East Hartford Public Works for the past year, was recently named permanent director by Mayor Marcia Leclerc. “Since transitioning into the position as interim director of Public Works, Tim has proven the value of strong leadership and management skills,” Leclerc said in a statement announcing his new position.

During his time in the interim position, Bockus literally weathered storms ranging from record snowfall, to tropical storm Irene, to a freak October snowstorm that left thousands of residents without power for days. “Those skills were fully recognized during some of the most horrific weather and devastation experienced by our community in over 30 years,” Leclerc added, referring to Bockus' role during the emergencies.

In his new position, Bockus will also be in charge of overseeing the maintenance division of the Parks Department. “I look forward to working closely with Tim as we continue to implement efficiencies and address priorities,” the mayor said.

A year spent as interim director gave Bockus an opportunity “to give the job a real test drive,” he said. “I am happy to work with Mayor Leclerc on her priorities, and to address the issues we have in different parts of town.”

During each storm, Bockus was part of the team in the emergency operations center that coordinated with the state and other entities involved in the crisis. “The job has certainly been full of surprises,” Bockus said. “But one thing I have seen in the past year is the incredible dedication of the capable people that we have working in the Department of Public Works.”

The mildness of the weather so far this winter has provided a respite for the town government after months of emergency actions. “It’s been wonderful – we've only have a few days of icy roads that we had to bring the plows out,” Bockus said. “We had to end the leaf collection a bit early due to the weather, and it’s giving us a chance to get back to some spots we missed.”