#IAMKDOT: Frankie Burns

Chances are that wherever you see a KDOT crew in Grant or Stanton County, you will also find Frankie Burns, the Ulysses Highway Maintenance Supervisor. During his 12 years with KDOT, Burns has served as an Equipment Operator Trainee, an Equipment Operator and as the Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Garden City and Ulysses. 

Burns is always there, leading and helping the Ulysses crew. He may be filling potholes or edge ruts, mowing, flagging traffic, snow plowing or even paving. Burns says the best part of his job is working with new operators and being able to teach them and help them learn. 

During his time with KDOT, he and his team were awarded the Example of Excellence award for their work paving the Division of Motor Vehicles’ yard in Garden City so that it could be used year-round for CDL training.

Burns has many memorable moments, but says 2017 was an especially memorable year.  During the April 30 blizzard, which dumped over a foot of snow in southwest Kansas, Burns was plowing between Garden City and Deerfield when he stopped to assist a car stranded in the ditch. With below freezing temps and the heavy snow, he was surprised to find several teenage girls in t-shirts and shorts trying to make their way from Garden City to Deerfield to see a friend. After calling the KHP to transport the girls to Deerfield, Burns waited with the girls until the KHP arrived.

Later that same year, Burns was assisting with traffic control following an anhydrous ammonia leak on the Garden City bypass. They had just moved traffic control back when Burns turned to walk back to his KDOT truck. He saw lights coming at him and heard the vehicle accelerate. He turned and ran just in time to escape serious injury. His KDOT truck was totaled by the driver that crashed into it at full speed. Fortunately, Burns escaped without injury.

Burns lives in Lakin and has three children and two granddaughters. In his spare time Burns enjoys woodworking, working in his shop, NASCAR (especially Martin Truex Jr.) and is very attached to his Harley.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started!