Sun staff
Tony Decker has been working at ScherZinger Pest Control for more than 19 years and has only missed one day of work.
His dedication, leadership and customer service at the company inspired his manager to nominate him for one of the industry’s top recognitions, the Pest Control Technician of the Year award from Pest Control Technician Magazine.
“It was in September my manager called me and told me they had nominated me for it,” Decker said. “I thought it was just an honor to be nominated.”
Decker said that in November, he was called to the office again, this time by the owner of the company.”
“That’s when I found out I had won the award,” Decker said. “I was shocked. I was humbled. There are three or four other people in the company who could have won the award also.”
Decker said that after the announcement he received tremendous feedback from friends, co-workers and customers.
“I had a lot of people coming and patting me on the back,” Decker said.
Decker said he had current customers cut out newspaper articles for him and former customers called and sent him emails congratulating him for winning the award.
“That really made me feel good too,” Decker said.
Decker said he was worried about how his co-workers would react to the news, but it turns out they all were proud of Decker and respected his leadership.
“My worst fear is that my fellow employees would think I got a big head,” Decker said. “But some of the things they said to me meant more to me than winning the award. I had no idea they felt that way.”
Decker said he has been working at ScherZinger for 19 years. He said he enjoys many things about his job.
“The problem solving is a lot of fun,” Decker said. “Meeting people and getting to know them.”
As part of winning the award, Decker and his wife, Tina, will be heading to Washington D.C., in March and will participate in Pest Control Legislation Day.
Decker said he is looking forward to the trip to Washington D.C., and also looking forward to getting back to work when all of the recognition is over.
Decker was also recognized by Amelia Village Council members during their Jan. 23 meeting.
Amelia Mayor Todd Hart said he wanted to congratulate Decker, an Amelia resident, for winning such a prestigious award.