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This story has been updated to reflect that council voted unanimously to re-name the building for Bruce Rudd.
Bruce Rudd began his service to the city of Fresno working as a bus mechanic. It will end with his name on a building. City council unanimously voted to designate the city’s bus department office in his honor on Thursday.
The building, at 2223 G Street, at the end of Divisadero, is home of the Fresno Area Express (FAX) administration. Behind a chain link fence, city buses park when not in service.
“It’s really kind of a rags to riches story,” city councilman Clint Olivier said of Rudd, who is now the city manager.
Rudd worked his way up the company ladder, so to speak. He started in a position known as “Equipment Serviceman I” before becoming an Equipment Mechanic, Bus Lead Worker, Bus Maintenance Supervisor, Transit Maintenance Manager, General Manager, Director of Transportation and Assistant City Manager. In 2013, Mayor Ashley Swearengin promoted Rudd to City Manager.
Labor leader Marina Magdaleno has respect for Rudd and agrees with the impending tribute. “He started at the low end and worked his way through. I think it is an honor for the building to named for him. He paid his dues,” Magdaleno tells GV Wire.
The proclamation reads in part: “He is tireless in his efforts to resolve issue that arise. His thoughtfulness, foresight, good nature and excellent communication skills have been a reassuring force in Fresno City government over the last four decades.”
