#IAMKDOT: Kade Cooper

This month’s #IAMKDOT focuses on Highway Maintenance Supervisor Kade Cooper. He started in spring 2004 at the KDOT Mankato Subarea, then went to the Area crew and in 2011, was named the Supervisor in Belleville.

Cooper appreciates his work environment. “You don’t find many places that you enjoy the company of the people you’re working with,” he said. “And I like the hours in the summer so I can spend more time with the kids.”

Cooper coaches the baseball team for his son, Andrew, and attends softball games for his daughter, Kinley. He and his wife, Jackie, like to take the kids camping when they can. And they have a few cattle on his father-in-law’s farm that they take care of.

Cooper and his crew members are out on the highways year-round with overlay projects, right of way maintenance and snow removal operations. Winter brings a busier schedule, he said, with keeping all the equipment running, planning repairs with the mechanics, scheduling shift when storms come up, making sure pot holes are patched and stay patched as well as other maintenance duties.

We’re very dependent on the weather, Cooper said, and plans can get changed quickly. “We live in Kansas, if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes,” he joked.

Cooper has seen many improvements in work zone safety. “We’re very fortunate we have the tools we have for safety,” he said. Everything has a purpose – from the cones to the attenuators to the arrow boards to the people working in the lane. We’re out there for a reason.”

But motorists must pay attention and follow the signs. “There are times we’ve had close calls even with crash attenuators,” Cooper said. “Sometimes they’ll go around the attenuators and then try to get in the lane that we’re trying to block.”

When he’s not on the highway, Cooper assists co-workers and agency partners in various training efforts. Cooper is a certified bucket truck trainer throughout District Two. To work in a truck with a basket, employees must go through certification before they can do it by themselves. 

He also trains people for Traffic Incident Management. Cooper works with fire departments, local law enforcement, local utility companies and others to train people how to set up traffic control if there was an incident in their area. Then they can go back and train their staff, he said.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Ron Edwards

Jetmore Equipment Operator Senior Ron Edwards has experienced a lot during his 47 years with KDOT. In fact, he’s probably forgotten more about KDOT than most people remember and plowed more snow than most people see in a lifetime. 

Always willing to help others, he has led the way through the snow to the hospital when the ambulance couldn’t get through, flagged traffic throughout the night because of the weather or a car crash and helped stranded motorists change flat tires and jump start batteries. 

Known as a jack of all trades and the original “Mr. Fix It,” Edwards can build or repair almost anything. This includes the gazebo at the Jetmore City Pool, which Edwards built and paid for himself in memory of his daughter, Heather, who passed away at 14.

Edwards enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, Rosanne, and daughters, Morgan and Madison. When not helping his daughters with do it yourself and home improvement projects, Edwards enjoys fishing and polka music. 

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

#IAMKDOT: Tim Nichols

Challenges and problem solving often come with the job. For Tim Nichols, KDOT Engineering Technician Specialist from Syracuse, the challenges and problem solving that come with KDOT’s larger projects are the best part of his job. 

After attending Dodge City Community College, Nichols returned to his hometown of Syracuse and spent time working in auto body repair and at the local grocery store. He then began with KDOT as an Engineering Technician Associate. Nichols is responsible for inspecting highway projects, authorizing contractor payments and overseeing contractors and construction projects so the work meets KDOT specifications. He says the best part of his job is the challenges that come up on larger projects and the problem solving that goes into finding a solution. Nichols has been named District Inspector of the Year once and Area Inspector of the Year three times during his 20 years with KDOT.

Nichols is always busy. You might find him out inspecting bridges or highways during the day, and you may also find him checking a stoplight at midnight on a holiday to make sure it works properly. He also assists with flagging traffic in the in the dead of night during power outages or meets a crew at the concrete plant at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for a concrete pour.  

And while Nichols truly enjoys his work, what he enjoys the most is using his talents to help others. Nichols serves his church as the Legacy Youth Ministry Director and as a trustee on the local Board of Administration of the Syracuse Wesleyan Church. He also volunteers as the sound technician for Syracuse High School basketball games, plays, concerts and special events, is a founding member of the Syracuse Sand Park board, is a builder, auto mechanic, sound technician and volunteer dad, uncle and grandpa. He enjoys playing the bass and guitar, working on cars and woodworking.

#IAMKDOT: Sherri Hildebrandt

This months' #IAMKDOT feature gives hope to the homeless.

Take a walk around any KDOT work area and talk to people, and a common theme you’ll hear is that they’re here because they like improving lives for the people who use the roads, bike lanes and preservation areas KDOT builds and maintains.  For many employees, the sense of service extends beyond the workplace.  Sherri Hildebrandt, Administrative Specialist at District 1 Bonner Springs office, is an unassuming example of a personal commitment to making her community better.

“It makes me grateful to be part of something that makes someone’s life a little better,” Hildebrandt said.

Hildebrandt, a five-year KDOT veteran, serves at the Leavenworth Interfaith Shelter of Hope homeless shelter, where since 2014 she has been regularly working the night shift managing intake, supervising the floor, doing laundry or “whatever is needed” for the 15-20 people who sleep at the shelter each night.

She said she’s always felt called to serve.

Prior to working at KDOT, Hildebrandt worked with the Department of Children and Families, and was keenly aware of the needs of the unhoused in the community.

 “When I saw the need here, I knew I had to be part of the solution.”

In 2014, the shelter came together through donations and the leadership of several church and community organizations.

Sherri Hildebrandt prepares to open the Interfaith Shelter of Hope for the evening.  The shelter houses 15-20 homeless people each evening.

Hildebrandt says since beginning to serve as a volunteer at the shelter in 2014 and now in her part-time paid capacity, she’s met some incredibly resilient people and been part of several uplifting moments.  But it’s not always easy.

“It’s hard when you hear their stories sometimes,” she said.  “But the people who really need these services, they are the ones who help keep me going.”

At the same time, she said, serving in that sector makes her grateful.

“These are people living day to day,” she said.  “It’s easy to walk by them. But you never know what tomorrow could bring, it could easily be you or your family. 

Hildebrandt has seen some of the success stories during her time serving at the shelter. She’s seen people work through extremely difficult struggles to finish their education, get housing, and get jobs to support their family.  For her, these are why she says it’s important for her to serve.

“I love seeing people whose lives are a little better because of what we’re doing there.”

Linda Martin, Shelter of Hope director, says having Sherri on staff provides just the right mix of component supervision and compassion.

“She is one of the reasons our shelter is so successful,” Martin said.

Hildebrandt encourages everyone to consider getting involved locally in any capacity they feel able to serve. 

“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “It definitely makes me think twice before I judge anyone.”

Hildebrandt says she would describe herself as a volunteer and professional. She is a mother and her grandchildren call her Noni. She is a sister and a friend, she loves to shop and she is dedicated and compassionate.

#IAMKDOT: Ted Coleman

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Ted Coleman. Coleman said that he “Bleeds KDOT Orange” and is the Sub-Area Supervisor for east Wichita. He has been working for KDOT for more than 33 years. During his college years at Kansas State University he would work for KDOT during the summer in Hutchinson. Coleman then became an Equipment Operator Trainee and eventually an Equipment Operator at the Hutchinson Sub-Area.

During his career he has worked his way up from Equipment Operator to Equipment Operator Specialist to his current position.

Coleman said that he enjoys having fun and helps people realize their dreams. He said he would describe himself as a Dallas Cowboys fanatic, a science buff, a motivational writer and a survivor of esophageal cancer. He loves to travel, and he said he loves his son more than anything in this world.

“My life goal is to be an authentic person of faith, and to be someone who encourages, equips and empowers others for honest journeys of their own,” Coleman said.

In this month’s illustration, Coleman is depicted rescuing a dog that had been lost for several days in Wichita. He crossed four lanes of traffic to save it.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Ciro Chavez

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Ciro Chavez.

Ciro began his career with KDOT as an Equipment Operator Trainee at the Lakin Subarea in southwest Kansas in October 2015.  He earned his CDL in December of 2015 and transferred to the Garden City Subarea in April of 2016.  He was then promoted to Equipment Operator in April 2016 and transferred to the District Paint Crew in July of 2017.

When Ciro is not at work he enjoys several outdoor activities including four wheeling and fishing. He is a music fan, a son and role model.  Many would also describe him as a fighter and survivor.

Prior to his employment at KDOT, Ciro was an EMT but he never thought he’d be the one to call 911.  Last year, he was involved in a head-on collision. His recovery may have taken several months, but he’s here to tell his story. And his story is one of 20 stories that will be shared from people telling why traffic safety is so important to them.

The four-week series begins this Wednesday and will continue until Oct. 10. Please read Ciro and everyone’s blogs that are part of the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day safety campaign that focuses on reducing all types of traffic fatalities. Whether you are in a vehicle, on a bike/motorcycle or walking, the goal is for you to safely get where you are going.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Jason Dlugopolski

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Jason Dlugopolski who is an Equipment Operator Specialist in the Kansas City Metro Area. Jason began his career with KDOT in October 1999, as an Equipment Operator Trainee at the Lamar Subarea and has worked his way up to his current position in the agency.

“I was lucky to fall into a shop that I have really enjoyed working at through all these years,” Jason said.

When he is not working at KDOT, Jason is a part time instructor at Johnson County Community College where he teaches students how to receive their CDL. He is a husband, foster parent, father, brother and son, as well as a Knight of Columbus..

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Gelene Savage

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Gelene Savage. Gelene is the Managing Attorney for KDOT’s Office of Chief Counsel.  Gelene began her career with KDOT as a Law Clerk while still in law school in 1991.  She was hired as a Staff Attorney after passing the bar exam in 1992, and has been with the agency for 26 years.

 She has served as OCC’s main Litigation Attorney for several years, defending lawsuits of every nature brought against the agency.  Gelene is well-known throughout KDOT for presentations she makes on safety, risk management and other topics of interest to employees in the Districts.  She makes it a point to stop at any nearby Subarea or Area offices whether she is travelling on agency or personal business. 

Gelene is well-respected by judges and other lawyers throughout the state for her professionalism in the defense of KDOT.  She is very proud to tell other counsel, “I am KDOT,” so it is fitting that she was nominated by her co-workers for the #IAMKDOT campaign.  A graduate of Kansas State University, Gelene is a Wildcats football fan, particularly during the last four years when her nephew, Logan, played for the Wildcats.  She is “Aunt Genie” to many nieces and nephews. When not at work, Gelene also enjoys gardening.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Larry Walker

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Larry Walker, who is an Equipment Operator Senior at the Independence Subarea. This year, Larry will celebrate 39 years with the Kansas Department of Transportation.  

During his employment with KDOT, Larry has proven that he is dedicated to keeping Kansans safe. His coworkers said that whenever he receives a phone call for emergency work, he is quick to respond and report to duty within minutes.

Because his father Carl “Corky” Walker, was also a long time KDOT employee, Larry had an early association and understanding about the dedication it takes to work at this agency.  

Larry has been married to his wife, Tracy, for 35 years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. During his spare time, he is an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He also has a lawn care business and maintains several yards in the summer months throughout the Independence community.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT Tom McCartney

When people first think of work zones, most think of summer construction taking place on the highways. But motorists need to use extra caution all year long, including the winter, when workers are clearing the roadways of snow and ice.

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Tom McCartney, Area Superintendent in El Dorado, and he knows this all too well. His truck has been hit twice - once when a vehicle slid into the side of his truck and once when he got rear-ended during white out conditions on the Interstate.

“Snow and ice is a whole different experience. Working north of Wichita – people passing on both sides in blinding snow,” he said. “Then a half mile down the road, there they are in the ditch.”

McCartney has spent his 23-year career working along the highways. He has worked in Marion and Newton, then was promoted to Supervisor at the Hutchinson Subarea Office. He’s been in his current position for the past two years.

He said it’s also very different working along a two-lane highway with lower traffic volumes versus a multi-lane divided Interstate.

“Coming from Marion, that was an eye opening experience. There were times I had to wait 10 minutes to safely cross the road to get in the median,” he said. “If it was rush hour, it could take longer.

“I don’t think drivers understand what it’s like to have traffic come by at a high rate of speed and how quickly something tragic can happen,” McCartney said. “It can get bad in a hurry.”

When not working, he likes to spend his time with his wife and four grown children. He also is an avid sports fans and a horse trader. McCartney grew up training horses and sustained numerous injuries in the process – he broke his neck when he was 14, has had multiple concussions, has broken all his ribs and separated a shoulder. Now he lets his oldest son train the horses most of the time.

#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! 

#IAMKDOT: Kevin Jirak

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Kevin Jirak who has worked at KDOT for more than 31 years in Marion.  Jirak began his career as an Equipment Operator I and over the past three decades he has been promoted several times starting with Equipment Operator II, followed by the Area Crew Supervisor in 1993. Twenty four years later, Jirak now serves as Area Superintendent.  Among his many duties, Jirak oversees four Subarea crews and one Area crew.

“I have a group of good supervisors and employees that do a great job,” Jirak said. “My Area Engineer has been very helpful to me since becoming the Area Superintendent. This makes my job easier. I also take care of permits, visit and listen with the public about their concerns and keep an eye on maintenance issues.”

When Jirak is not at work he enjoys a variety of activities that include coaching kids in sports.  He also is an avid Jayhawks and Chiefs fan. Jirak spends time in the great outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families 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! 

#IAMKDOT: George Dockery

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is George Dockery, P.E., Pittsburg Area Engineer in District Four.   

Dockery just celebrated 50 years of service to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

He started his employment at KDOT in February 1967 at the Fort Scott construction office. He began in KDOT’s Rotational Training Program, which is a program designed to encourage cross training across the fields and give opportunities to experience different types of engineering career paths that KDOT has to offer.

In 1978, Dockery became the Area Engineer for the Pittsburg office. Part of his position includes working with city and county officials on roads and bridges that receive KDOT funding. He also administers and monitors new construction on the state highway system.
Dockery oversees the maintenance of several counties in District Four.

During his 50 years at KDOT, the highway system has seen improvements during the three statewide transportation programs.

When Dockery is not at work, he is an active member of his church where he serves as an elder. He also enjoys woodworking. He is a husband, father and grandfather as well.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families 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! 

#IAMKDOT: Traci Ward

This month's #IAMKDOT feature is Traci Ward. 

Ward has worked for the state of Kansas for more than 20 years and is the Kansas Department of Transportation's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and ADA Coordinator.

As an EEO Officer, Ward helps inform KDOT employees across the state of their rights and who to contact if a need to file a grievance should arise. Ward's goal at KDOT is to ensure that respect and diversity are upheld in the workplace. She also helps educate and empower people to do their best work. 

When Ward is not in the office or traveling across the state, she is an author and a motivational speaker. She is also a mother and a nana.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families 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! 

#IAMKDOT: Nathan Blankinship

This month's #IAMKDOT is Nathan Blankinship who has worked at KDOT for about three years and he is an Equipment Operator at the KDOT Sedan Subarea in southeast Kansas.

In this illustration, Nathan is shown leveling a sign post along K-99 in Chautauqua County. 

When he is not working for KDOT, Nathan farms east of Sedan, raising cattle and pigs, and is a custom hay baler. In addition to farming and custom baling, in his off-duty hours he volunteers with the Sedan Rural Fire Department. Nathan’s dog, a red heeler named Abby, even has her own Facebook page, ‘Abby the Chautauqua County Fire Dog.’

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families 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!