On December 2, 2025, the Water Industry lost a shining star. Ben Fraser, a Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator and a friend of mine, lost his life early in the morning. He was getting ready to begin his regular shift, writing shift instructions on the whiteboard in the Los Angeles Glendale Water Reclamation Plant operation room when he was taken from us.

Ben was a dedicated father, a heck of an operator, and most of all, a friend to all of us who work for the City of Los Angeles.

As of today (Dec 5, 2025), I am starting this page to do what we can for Ben and his young family, to do whatever we can during this difficult time. We are all mourning. We are all processing this tragedy in our own way. We are accepting donations as well as stories about Ben. I have quite a lot and I'll add more over time. If you have a story to share, please contact me. A few lines, a photo, or something about Ben.

Ben during a design workshop for Advanced Water Facility (June 27, 2023)

Ben with coworkers and friends in the Japanese Garden, Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant (June 27, 2023)

Ben, 4th from the right, front row, July 2023.