Story and photo courtesy of Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, NH

ROCHESTER - Rochester District Court maintenance mechanic Bill Anderson does it all.

Anderson, 66, has spent nearly six years at the court dealing with any plumbing, electrical and maintenance issues that arise. He also goes out of his way to replace headlights and windshield wipers on staff members' cars and even clears snow off the vehicles during the winter months, according to court Clerk Diane Caron.

"He takes care of everyone here," Caron said. "He maintains every portion of the building."

Anderson has been so superlative at his job that the state Department of Administrative Services' bureau of court facilities recently awarded him a certificate for "going above and beyond his duties in providing exceptional skills as a maintenance mechanic."

A citation explaining the award states Anderson is expected to correct minor problems and to call professionals for more complicated issues. Anderson's initiative and ingenuity has saved the state time and money by not using outside services.

"As a self-motivated individual, Mr. Anderson's high standards enable him to take it upon himself to do what a plumber would have done because he wants to figure it out by himself," the citation states.

Anderson told Foster's he received the award during a ceremony in Concord. He said Peter Goodwin, the regional supervisor for court facilities, submitted him for consideration to a committee that eventually chose him as the recipient for the recognition.

"I think it's well deserved," said Caron. "I really wasn't surprised he would be given an award for outstanding service ... It's just more recognition of the great work done by the staff here."

According to Caron, whose first day at the court back in 2007 was the day Leeland Eisenberg held people hostage at then-Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's downtown campaign office, the court can present a hectic work environment. Small gestures such as Anderson's assistance with car troubles help keep the moods positive, she said.

"It can be stressful at times, but the staff has all maintained a really positive outlook," she said. "I don't think anyone here takes anyone else for granted."

Added security guard John Cook, "Bill's the best. He has an innate ability to know what needs to be done."

Cook said the security officers frequently receive comments about the pristine look of the building, constructed in 1913. Anderson has also helped out with court safety, having been crucial to the installation of more security cameras, he said.

Anderson cited the importance of treating the court with respect, calling it a "second home" of sorts.

"You've got to treat it as such," he said. "It's part of the history in the town."

A former mechanic of 30 years who also served time in the U.S. Navy and as maintenance director for Barnstead Elementary School, Anderson said he is contemplating retirement, but has not made any firm decisions.

Meanwhile, he continues to look for ways to increase efficiency during a time when budget woes are gripping the court system statewide. His love for the court shines through, from his meticulous upkeep of the facility to the court shirts he has specially embroidered by his wife.

"He's awesome. What can I say?" said Judge Daniel Cappiello. "He does a great job."