Andrea Belden: Louisville's Vigilant Plumber and Never Quit Awardee

Dedication and Vigilance: The Story of Andrea Belden, a Louisville Plumber Leader Assistant

In a world where distractions are plentiful, Andrea Belden stands out for her unwavering focus and commitment. As a metering plumber leader assistant at Louisville Water Company in Kentucky, Belden's vigilance is not just a personal trait but a professional necessity.

"I'm one of those that if whoever's working, I'm always watching," Belden emphasizes. Her role requires constant attention to safety, ensuring that every action, even something as simple as stepping out of a vehicle, does not lead to accidents. She notes the unique position she holds as one of the few women in her field, confidently stating, "We get the job done just like everybody else."

Safety is a paramount concern for Belden, both for herself and those around her. Recalling a past incident, she shares, "When I was back in the metering area a couple of years ago, we were working on exchanging out a meter. The two pieces that they had in the vault weren’t supposed to be in there, so it blew off while we were in the vault, and one of the guys, like, came crawling, climbing up my leg. And it took me off work a couple of days because it messed my knee up."

Despite such risks, Belden's passion for her work remains undeterred. "I like physical work," she explains. "I mean, I’m definitely not your sit-at-a-desk type of person, and I like doing different things." Her dedication to her profession and community has not gone unnoticed.

Belden is a proud member of AFSCME Council 962 and has been recognized with the Never Quit Service Award, an honor given to public service workers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their communities.

For Belden, the reward of her labor lies in the sense of achievement she feels at the end of each day. "I do my job, I take pride in my work," she says. "And at the end of the day, I know I did what needs to be done."