Jon Purnell, Clallam PUD’s Utility Systems Land Agent, recently was recognized as the 2013 Washington “Land Surveyor of the Year.”

According to the Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington’s website, the title “Surveyor of the Year” is awarded annually to the one individual who, by assessment of his or her peers, has contributed the most to the surveying profession as a whole over the past five years. The association includes more than 800 licensed surveyor members and the award is the profession’s most prestigious state level award.

Purnell was honored with the award at the 2014 annual LSAW conference in early March. Each year, the 12 local association chapters submit nominations for the award. At the fall statewide meeting, chapter and state-level officers review the nominations and vote, via secret ballot, to choose a recipient.

“Receiving this award makes one reflect upon what being a professional person really means,” Purnell said. “In the surveying profession, we are obligated to serve the public interest in an objective an unbiased manner first and foremost. Professionals also have a responsibility to assist those who aspire to professional licensure attain their goals, while passing on the values of the profession. These responsibilities I feel keenly now more than ever.”

See www.clallampud.net.