Troy Daffern

James “Troy” Daffern is a dedicated water industry professional serving Texarkana Water Utilities in Texarkana, Texas. With a strong focus on delivering reliable, safe drinking water to his community, Daffern has built a reputation for operational excellence, hands-on leadership and a deep commitment to public service. <br /><br />In his role, Daffern contributes to the day-to-day performance and reliability of critical water infrastructure, helping ensure consistent service for residents and businesses across the Texarkana region. His work reflects a practical, field-driven understanding of water utility operations, grounded in maintaining system performance, safety and regulatory compliance.<br /><br />Daffern’s dedication to his profession has been formally recognized by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), which honored him with the Operator Meritorious Service Award. This distinction highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their communities and go above and beyond standard responsibilities to safeguard essential water resources. <br /><br />Beyond his local responsibilities, Daffern is also known for extending his impact globally. He has used personal time to support efforts that bring clean and reliable water to underserved communities, contributing to the construction of water wells and helping improve access to safe drinking water in areas lacking critical infrastructure.<br /><br />Colleagues and community members alike recognize Daffern for his willingness to help others, his strong work ethic, and his commitment to improving water access both locally and abroad. His career reflects the essential role that skilled operators and field leaders play in advancing water system resilience and supporting the long-term sustainability of vital public services.