The City of Hamilton Gas & Water Distribution Department in Ohio continues to be recognized for its commitment to workplace safety, earning the American Public Gas Association Safety Contest Award for the 2025 calendar year. This marks the eighth consecutive year Hamilton has received this national recognition, Hamilton said on June 22.
The APGA Safety Contest honors public natural gas utilities that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and maintain strong safety records throughout the year. Utilities are grouped according to the number of annual man-hours worked, with Hamilton competing in the 38,001–70,000 category. During 2025, the department recorded 43,020 man-hours worked while maintaining the high safety standards required to earn the award.
“This recognition is reflective of the safety first culture that we embrace at the City of Hamilton,” said Edwin Porter, Executive Director of Infrastructure. “We start our activities with safety in mind and go from there. The Gas & Water Distribution employees have shown through the results of their actions that they are committed to maintaining the highest level of safety, and receiving this award for the eighth year in a row confirms that ongoing commitment.”
The City of Hamilton has owned and operated its natural gas utility since 1890. Today, it is the second-oldest municipal natural gas utility in Ohio and the 21st oldest in the United States.
Hamilton's Gas System has grown into the largest municipally owned gas utility in Ohio and the 31st largest in the nation, serving approximately 23,000 customers through roughly 275 miles of pipeline.
“Safety isn't something that happens by accident,” said Daniel Flum, Natural Gas Compliance Manager. “It requires ongoing training, clear procedures, regular inspections, and employees who remain focused on doing things the right way every day. This award recognizes the efforts of every member of our team and their commitment to protecting our coworkers, customers, and community.”
The APGA Safety Contest serves as a benchmark for excellence among publicly owned natural gas systems across the country. For Hamilton, the recognition reinforces a long-standing commitment to operating a safe, reliable utility while continuing to provide high-quality service to residents and businesses, the city said.
"As Hamilton's utility system continues to serve thousands of customers across the city, safety remains a core value guiding daily operations, long-term planning, and investment in the community's infrastructure," the city said.
