ECAT Recognizes Three Employees for Over 137 Years of Combined Service

With 50 years under his belt, Carter said he's seen plenty of change since he began his career in 1974, back when ECAT buses didn't even have air conditioning. But one thing has remained constant: He loves what he does.

"I just like driving people," Carter said. "I love it because I see people all day long, and they smile at me, they're shaking my hand. It's just the idea of getting people where they want to go, and public transportation is the ideal way to do that. I like being a part of that."

Edgerton began his career with ECAT as a bus operator in 1977, later promoting to a dispatcher and then to his current role as Transportation Supervisor. Carter and Edgerton take pride in their commitment to safety, with both emphasizing that they've had no driving citations during their long careers.

In his role as Transportation Supervisor, Edgerton said he enjoys overseeing and observing bus operators on their daily routes to ensure their shared commitment to safety continues to be upheld.

"I have a few mottos," Edgerton said. "If you can't do it safely, don't do it. If you've got doubts, get permission. And we're always, always, always safety first."

Although safety is his first priority, Edgerton said his love of transportation is what keeps him coming back to work every day, along with the satisfaction of providing a valuable service to the community.

"I love the people," Edgerton said. "But realizing the importance of the service we provide for Pensacola and Escambia County, that's really the main thing. That's really what I like about my job, is seeing people get where they need to go like the doctor or school. It's very important that we get them there safely and on time. They are relying on us."

As a Maintenance Technician, Wise helps ensure that ECAT buses are ready to go for drivers and passengers, performing preventative maintenance and making repairs as needed. Wise has maintained numerous certifications during his 40-year career, currently holding 12 certifications through the Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, program.

"When I started, everything was basic mechanical, and now it's a lot more electronics," Wise said. "It's much more complicated, so it's an accomplishment to keep the buses running."

ECAT Bus Operator Mike Lowery, who also serves as President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395, said he's worked with all three men during his 30-year career with ECAT. Lowery said they've all mentored him in many ways and been a positive influence on his career.

"These guys come to work," Lowery said. "They lead by example. When they're needed to do overtime, they do overtime."

Although Wise said he plans to retire within the next couple of years if possible, Carter and Edgerton said they don't plan on slowing down anytime soon.

"It hasn't even come across my mind," Carter said. "I like coming to work. I'm like the grandfather here. I love getting up in the morning and putting on my uniform every day. I can't say nothing bad about it, because I'm still here with 50 years and I've enjoyed it."

Longtime ECAT employees, left to right: Maintenance Technician Alan Wise (40 years), Bus Operator Willie Carter, Jr. (50 years), and Transportation Supervisor Ken Edgerton (47 years)

Above: ECAT Bus Operator Willie Carter, Jr., who recently celebrated 50 years of service.

Above: ECAT Transportation Supervisor Ken Edgerton, who recently celebrated 47 years of service.

Above: ECAT Maintenance Technician Alan Wise, who recently celebrated 40 years of service.