Statement from WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell on the Tragic Loss of Employee Ernest Joseph Dyson

Crew Supervisor Dyson Fatally Struck by Driver While Working Along New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring

Dyson Provided Nearly 18 Years of Dedicated Service to Residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties

Written by

Chuck Brown

Communications Director

Laurel, Md. – September 9, 2024 – WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell today issued the following statement following the tragic weekend death of WSSC Water employee Ernest Joseph Dyson.

“The entire WSSC Water organization has heavy hearts today as we join family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our own, Crew Supervisor Ernest Joseph Dyson. Ernest died while serving in the line of duty while responding to a water main break in Silver Spring in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024, when a driver fatally struck him at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Rodney Road. According to Montgomery County Police, the driver was intoxicated. This is a sad reminder of the risks our front-line water heroes face in service to our 1.9 million customers. WSSC Water is devastated by this tragedy. Ernest was the embodiment of professionalism and public service. He was a dedicated and highly respected member of the Utility Services Department and a beloved member of Team H2O with nearly 18 years of service to WSSC Water customers. We are all heartbroken and honestly still in shock as we process this senseless tragedy. Our deepest condolences are with Mr. Dyson’s family during this incredibly difficult time and with all his teammates who knew and cared for him. We will continue to support the family and team as we navigate through this difficult time.”

Montgomery County Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to call 240-773-6620 with information.

WSSC Water is a not-for-profit public utility focused on serving our 1.9 million customers, not shareholders. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly into infrastructure, technology and workforce to strengthen reliability, improve service and protect public health for generations to come.