WORCESTER, Mass. - The City of Worcester presented the inaugural Paul J. Moosey DPW and Parks Employee of the Year Award on Tuesday.

Jonathan Gervais, the Environmental Manager for the City of Worcester, was the recipient.

The award is named in honor of late DPW Commissioner Paul Moosey who passed away last October after a long battle with cancer.

It recognizes employees who demonstrate the passion and dedication Moosey did for 36 years on the job.

City leaders said Gervais has managed COVID-19 related issues within his department over the last year.

"Most of the works in public folks are there because they enjoy doing something and what they really enjoy doing is making life better for the residence, for the people who work here, folks who study here, even the people that come to visit. It’s how do we improve the quality of life," said DPW Commissioner Jay Fink.

"It’s an honor to receive an award bearing his name," Gervais said. "I,and many others, relied on [Moosey] for guidance and support and his engineering knowledge all through our careers and he was a mentor to me and a lot of people."

Moosey's wife, Cindi, was at the ceremony and also awarded Gervais with a key to the city.

City leaders said no matter the problem, Moosey always had a solution. They also said his expertise was invaluable in bringing the Worcester Red Sox to the city.