With a combined total of more than 40 years of experience, the City of Enterprise Water Department Tuesday honored Robert Watson and Ray Wolf ahead of their retirement.

“These two young men have really been an asset to the Water Department,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “I always say our water system is second to none. I have seen you all out there at 2 o’clock in the morning, when it was 20 degrees outside. I have seen you out there at midnight, even colder than that, on weekends or whatever it might be. You all have gotten the job done.”

Wolf served as the main well operator and was with the department for 16 years, 2 months and 26 days.

“When Ray was out, you could feel it,” Field Superintendent Alan Mahan said. “He was a real asset to our department, checking the wells every day, sampling the wells and the water. He was our go-to man.”

Watson was with department for 25 years, 6 months and 9 days. During that time, Mahan said Watson almost single-handedly changed the well houses across the city.

“Robert began a process that we are all proud of today. I’ve watched the well houses go from an old shack to a mansion,” Mahan said.  “We are talked about all over the state about our well houses and the manicured condition they are in. I can’t thank Robert enough for that.”

Both Watson and Wolf were presented with personalized plaques honoring their years of service, as well as gifts to enjoy in retirement.  For Watson, a new welding mask and for Wolf, a sprinkler for gardening.