In 1996 the Burning Man event on the Black Rock Desert had suffered some disasters. Following a shakeup and re-organization, Will Roger was given responsibility to establish the event on nearby private land in Washoe County.

On the first day of Spring in 1997, Will, with Rod Garrett, Tony Perez and Flynn Mauthe, camped out in the Hualapli Valley in what was to be the beginning of months of endless effort. They were there to make the event happen, though the then small Burning Man organization had been overwhelmed with debt, detractors and regulations.

The Washoe County Supervisors laughingly announced their intent to send Burning Man "running back to San Francisco". Every official agency threw the book at them, and imposed large punitive fees. Their supposed "benefactor" who offered the new site for the event began extorting labor and materials immediately, but did not reveal the extent of their underlying motive until they knew it was to late for them to back out.

The job was huge, the complications were unending and the cards stacked against it, but each new challenge was met with greater determination. As help was needed they were joined by others, they submitted all the documents, cleared acres of roads, placed tons of gravel and miles of fence. By the time the San Francisco staff arrived everything was in place. An incredible feat had been accomplished, but could never really be explained.

Will was too busy to realize he was also establishing what is now the DPW – and it's tradition. Today this is a huge organization which handles the City construction, purchasing, transportation, and everything related, from layout to cleanup. Due to the severe conditions and the burgeoning size and needs, this job is hardly less daunting now than it was in '96.

There are probably few among the crew who have not found themselves reaching deep into their core for the heart to endure, and to make some needed small miracle happen. Even though they may never need it again, they will never forget the deep source they found there. They are all heros, and all those in the DPW know and appreciate that, but it is their secret – because it cannot be explained.