Highway Superintendent Garrett Burke, Town of Vernon

This is Garrett Burke's first year as highway superintendent of the town of Vernon, but the 38-year-old has experience that belies his age and tenure. Approximately a week after graduating from high school, the young Burke started working for the highway department as a laborer. He rose through the ranks to become a truck driver, equipment operator and foreman before being appointed to the superintendent position by the town board after his former boss retired. Click for more...

Highway Superintendent John Mase and the Town of Union

Although he acquired his position as highway superintendent of the town of Union in Broome County through his own initiative and vast experience, John Mase credits his father, John C. Mase, for his achievement. Click for more...

Highway Superintendent Neil Marzolf Jr. and the Town of Darien

Neil Marzolf Jr., the highway superintendent of Darien, loves plowing snow. Which is good because the town in western New York, about a half-hour east of Buffalo, averages approximately 86 in. a year. Less enjoyable is what he called "chasing the wind." "I love plowing snow," he said. Click for more...

Highway Superintendent James Martin and the Town of Woodhull

Jim Martin, the highway superintendent of the town of Woodhull, recalls the worst day on the job without hesitation. It was Aug. 18, 2021, when Tropical Storm Fred triggered flash flooding throughout Steuben County. Click for more...

Highway Superintendent Brian Ingraham and the Town of Sweden

Brian Ingraham, superintendent of highways of the town of Sweden, is following in the footsteps of his father, Tom, who served as highway superintendent of the neighboring Town of Hamlin, both in Monroe County. Click for more...

Editors Notebook September 2026