U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Midwest Region
Heavy Equipment Coordinator Dale Pittman Receives
National Department of the Interior Award
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar presented Midwest Region Heavy Equipment Coordinator Dale Pittman with the Department of the Interior 2009 Organizational Achievement Award at a ceremony in Washington D.C., on May 6, 2009.
Pittman, who is based at the Illinois River Refuges in Havana, Ill., won the award for his outstanding contributions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Region Heavy Equipment Program. The Region’s heavy equipment program has been described as a model for other agencies and has been a leader in the development and implementation of safety training and consistent operational requirements. Pittman was instrumental in assessing training needs and standardized approaches and best business practices for conducting all aspects of heavy equipment safety training.
Pittman also helped coordinate Regional Maintenance Action Teams that during the past four years have saved the Midwest Region more than $5 million. These teams brought maintenance staff from across the Region together to complete high priority tasks at field stations that did not have the resources to complete these projects on their own.
“Pittman’s demonstrated knowledge and dedicated passion for the program is directly responsible for the improved safety of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees,” said Midwest Region National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Nita M. Fuller. “Dale has been a great asset to the Midwest Region and to the entire National Wildlife Refuge System.”
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
