City employee takes top driving honors

To say that Eric Berlier knows his stuff is an understatement. He recently received the top award for refuse truck drivers in the nation.

Berlier was the overall Grand Champion at the International Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Road-E-O held in Denver and took the first place in the front loader competition.

To make the cut, drivers had to place in the top of their regional competions and have impeccable driving records. Berlier took the grand champion award and first place in the front loader class in the state competion held in Santa Maria this summer.

Berlier is a Container Maintenance Worker and Relief Driver and has worked for the City since 2006.

'Competing in the Road-E-O's inspires me to be a safer driver and helps keep my driving skills sharp,' Belier said. 'It was an honor to represent the City of Merced on a National spotlight. I've worked hard to earn this award and I'm very proud. Thank you to everyone who supported me.'