12 December 2023

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KING cont. likely discover mentorship is a common theme. Individuals consistently attribute their achievements and their growth to those who played pivotal roles in their lives. Reflecting on my own path, in addition to the unwavering support of my family, I recall with gratitude the guidance I received from bosses and colleagues who significantly shaped my development. They shared invaluable insights, broadened my horizons and fostered a deeper understanding of my work and interactions. Mentorship is a two-way street that enriches both the mentor and mentee. We’ve witnessed instances where younger employees have helped older colleagues grasp new technologies, while seasoned employees have imparted a deeper understanding of VDOT to their younger counterparts. Each of you possesses experiences and skills that can greatly benefit others, so I invite you to consider sharing the invaluable gift of mentorship—a gift that creates a ripple effect of positive change. If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunities available, reach out to me, Guy DeMarco or others in Human Resources. Thank you for all your contributions that have made Salem District so successful this year. I wish you a joyous holiday season that is filled with well-deserved rest and quality time with friends and family. Happy Holidays! – Ken BRUSH FIRE...CONT’D Big Island AHQ crew members pose for a photo following their efforts to control the fire in Lynchburg. Pictured left to right are Dakota Carter, Jeff Sowards, Gregory Fortune, Freddie Millner, Joshua Overstreet and Troy Cocke. The fire had sparked after a dead ash tree fell and struck powerlines. Fueled by dry, gusty weather conditions, it quickly burned about an acre of land and then spread rapidly in the path of three nearby homes. Unknown to the crew at the time, it would be 20 minutes before the fire department arrived. The closest department in the area, Boonsboro Fire and Rescue Company, was already assisting with a 40-acre brush fire in Forest. Had the VDOT crew not stepped in, those houses would have burned to the ground said Raven Sampson, a local resident who witnessed the effort. After the fire department arrived, the VDOT crew stayed on scene to help in any way they could, continuing to move leaves away from the homes. When asked what they thought about being called heroes, crew members responded with humility and insisted they were just doing what they hoped someone would do for them. “They might not think they’re heroes, but I think they are,” said Bedford Residency Maintenance Operations Manager Brad Radford. “They could have stopped at calling 911, but they went above and beyond their duties to help those citizens keep their homes.” 2 Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke
Peters Creek AHQ recently hosted a 4-day Gradall operation course. Pictured left to right are Instructor Bobby Perdue, Andre Wimbush, Brian Mabe, Wayne Collins, Bradley Holt, Nick Martin and Jason Bell. Operations recently installed stop bars and new cameras at the intersection of Route 114 and Prices Fork Road in Montgomery County. A district employee is the first at VDOT to complete a new, nationally recognized certificate in road safety. District Work Zone Safety Coordinator Mike Sharkady is one of only 30 individuals in the nation to complete a National Road Safety Champion Program (RSCP) level 1 certificate. “It’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it,” Mike said. “I would recommend it for anyone, but especially for people who are coming to VDOT through the EDGE program or interns who are trying to gain knowledge.” The RSCP is a 14-week course that is designed to build a knowledgeable, safety-minded workforce, responsible for operating, maintaining and designing local roads. Champions who complete the program are motivated to implement safety improvements that reduce fatalities and serious injuries on rural and local roadways. Classes are small groups, held virtually with live instruction, with participation and discussion highly encouraged. Mike’s classes saw professionals EMPLOYEE PROFILE: DAVID HUTCHENS When Martinsville Area Headquarters Superintendent David Hutchens started his career at VDOT at the age of 18, he never expected to still be working here today. “I was one of those guys who just wanted to do his job and retire as soon as I could,” he said. But after 47 years, David is still going strong. David has worked in a variety of roles in different locations over the years and said keeping an open mind has helped him grow and learn from others. “So many different people have helped me along the way in my career,” he shared. David said he especially gained perspective after becoming a supervisor. “When you start making those decisions, you look at things differently. I think that helped MIKE SHARKADY IS VDOT’S FIRST NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY CHAMPION Instructor Walt Catlett (left) presents a certificate to District Work Zone Safety Coordinator Mike Sharkady. from around Virginia and other states including one person from the Midwest who works with tribal lands. He said the format of the program allows for collaborative learning from others of different professions who may have unique perspectives. “That’s the best part,” Mike said. “You get to understand each other’s thought processes. You can see lightbulbs going off.” Participants choose one of four pathways that offer career-focused classes in addition to seven core modules required for each pathway. Those pathways are Maintenance and Construction, Planning and Engineering, me more than anything. You realize the responsibility when it’s your call.” Some of his most memorable work at VDOT has included helping to coordinate various operations for Martinsville Speedway races. “The collaboration and helpfulness of every part of that team has been wonderful to experience,” he said. An athlete all his life, David continues to be active outside of his work at VDOT. He played traveling softball for 30 years as an outfielder and now enjoys golfing and working out. David celebrated the addition of a grandchild to his family just a few weeks ago, and he is looking forward to traveling and spending more time with his family after retirement – whenever that may be. Public Health, and Law Enforcement. The Public Health and Law Enforcement pathways are currently in development, and Mike said he plans to complete all four. “As a work zone safety coordinator, I work with everyone out in the field whether they are part of law enforcement, public safety or something else,” he said. “It will give me good insight into communicating with them and help me complete my job duties.” The RSCP is offered through the Transportation Training Academy (TTA) at the University of Virginia which has served as the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) for the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2006. Employees interested in the RSCP should coordinate with their supervisors as classes may be scheduled during working hours. Registration must be completed through VDOT University and classes can be found in the course catalog by searching keyword “RSCP.” For more information, contact Guy DeMarco at guy.demarco@vdot. virginia.gov. Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke 3
Page 1: Salem District Newsletter Volume 17

12 December 2023

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