Retiring Public Works Director Brian Eggleston recognized for ‘a very good career’ with the City of Riverton

(Riverton, WY) – The City of Riverton recognized retiring Public Works Director Brian Eggleston this week, honoring him for his years of service to the municipality.

Eggleston began his career with the City of Riverton in 1990, when he worked for the Riverton Police Department, City Administrator Kyle Butterfield said during a Riverton City Council meeting Tuesday.

“He served very faithfully there for eight years before transitioning to the State of Wyoming and working with the Division of Criminal Investigation,” Butterfield said. “He stayed (with DCI) until he wisened up and decided to come back to the City of Riverton.”

Eggleston was hired as the Fleet Sanitation Supervisor at that point, Butterfield said, so he was responsible for “supporting all of (the) rolling stock – or fleet – of the City of Riverton.”

“When Brian inherited that fleet, it wasn’t in the best condition,” Butterfield recalled. “But through his years of service, (now) our employees have the best tools at their disposal. … to provide service to our community and do their jobs.”

Eventually, Eggleston was promoted to Operations Division Manager, where he oversaw not only the fleet but also sanitation, parks, streets and alleys, and “so many other day-to-day operations for the City of Riverton” – all “with a positive attitude, a can-do spirit, and with an energy that worked very well with the community,” Butterfield said. 

He said Eggleston brought that same energy to the Public Works Director position, which he was selected for in 2022 after Butterfield vacated the job to become City Administrator.

“He’d put in the long hours when it was necessary and get the job done,” Butterfield said. “He also had a very good disposition to the public. Anyone that worked with Brian enjoyed working with Brian, and those positive relationships set him up – and the city up – for success. … It’s truly an honor to stand next to Brian and recognize him after a very good career with the City of Riverton.”

After Butterfield gave his remarks, Administrative Services Director Mia Harris read a poem she had written to mark the occasion, complete with inside jokes and well-wishes for Eggleston’s retirement, and Riverton Police Department Chief Eric Hurtado waved a replica of a “neuralyzer” from the movie Men In Black in front of Eggleston’s face to erase any “bad memories” he might have of the stresses of public service.

“Over the years, Brian has held not one, but two jobs that most sane people wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole: police officer and public works director,” Hurtado said. “We’ve all heard the saying, ‘You can’t save the world.’ But somehow, Brian saved his part of the universe and managed to stay mostly calm (and) mostly sane … while doing so.”

Mayor Tim Hancock, who is also a county prosecutor, said he was able to work with Eggleston in multiple capacities over the years, beginning when Eggleston was a DCI officer.

He recalled seeing a photo recently from that time period, when Eggleston served on the security detail for former President Bill Clinton during a visit to Riverton in 2008.

“Brian looked significantly younger,” Hancock joked, prompting Eggleston to quip that his hair only turned gray after he started working as a fleet manager.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with you, Brian,” Hancock said. “We’ll miss you and wish you the best of luck.”

New director

The City of Riverton conducted a national search to replace Eggleston, Butterfield said, and “we had several applicants that put forward a very strong presentation in their interviews” – but internal candidate Brendan Thoman “outperformed” them all.

“It was nice to see that Mr. Thoman rose above (in) a very competitive hiring process,” Butterfield said. “We’re very excited to see how things will evolve and grow under (his) leadership.”

Thoman has served as the City Engineer since 2019, and since then, Butterfield said he has “made a huge difference when it comes to the utilities and the engineering for the City of Riverton.”

“I only can imagine the positive impact that he’ll be able to make now as the Public Works Director,” Butterfield said. 

Other retirements

Later in the evening, Hancock also recognized RPD Capt. Wes Romero, who retired last month “after dedicating over 25 years to law enforcement.”

“Throughout his career, Captain Romero has been a steadfast figure in the community, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of residents,” the post says. “Colleagues and community members alike admired his leadership style, which combined authority with compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and integrity, and his presence in the department will be greatly missed.”

Hancock said he found Romero to be a “consummate professional and someone who you can rely on,” and Butterfield referred to Romero as “a good friend of mine.”

“I respect him and want to say thank you for his service to the City of Riverton as he moves on to greener pastures,” Butterfield said. 

The RPD is “actively recruiting” a second lieutenant position to replace the captain position Romero vacated, Butterfield said, so the city has “an opportunity to transition from the many good things that Capt. Romero did, to new avenues and horizons.”

Deputy Court Clerk Susan Sprague and Engineer Technician Bob Sprague retired recently too, Hancock added, thanking the couple for their service to the city as well.

For more information, call the City of Riverton at (307) 856-2227.