Las Vegas – Harry Squires of Schnitzer Steel Industries in Portland, Oregon was presented with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Safe Driver of the Year Award for operating his entire 39 year career without a single preventable accident. During this time, Mr. Squires logged nearly 2.5 million miles on the road. The award, now in its second year, recognizes outstanding drivers who have driven a commercial vehicle for at least 20 years without incurring a preventable accident.
“Driving a truck in challenging road and weather conditions while hauling scrap for miles is no easy task. Those who perform their job each and every day while keeping an emphasis on safety deserve recognition,” said Commodor Hall, ISRI’s Transportation Safety Manager. “For nearly four decades, Harry Squires has been transporting goods in a safe and reliable manner, while ensuring the drivers under him do the same. He truly exemplifies the many truck drivers who keep America’s roadways safe.”
The Safe Driver of the Year Award is based on the following mandatory criteria:
- Nominations may be submitted only by ReMA members in good standing.
- Nominees must be full-time employees whose primary responsibility is to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
- Nominees must be current employees of the nominating member company, and must be employed for at least one year (12 consecutive months).
- Nominations must be made by someone familiar with the nominee’s work history, such as manager or safety director.
- No more than three drivers may be nominated from the same member company.
- Nominees must meet the minimum requirement of 20 years of verifiable employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver without a preventable accident.
Other criteria taken into account are the driver’s contribution to highway safety (driver trainer), letters of appreciation, deeds of heroism on or off the job, and civic and fraternal organizations.
“Harry’s safety record is exemplary and his team would be the first to tell you that as the lead driver for the facility he serves as their role model. His contribution to highway safety includes handling all pre-hire road tests and training. He also handles all transportation needs at the yard and monitors all our trucks to ensure they have the right permits. If you were to spend a little time with Harry, you would quickly see that his dedication is rooted in his commitment to, and concern for, those he works with,” said Kathi Gibson, transportation program manager at Schnitzer Steel Industries.
When he is not at work, Harry is spending time with Cindy, his wife of 41 years, and their two children and four grandchildren. In addition to his family, Harry’s hobbies include reading and camping. He also drives Schnitzer’s 1926 Mack flatbed truck, which he considers to be “part of the fun of his job.” The truck, which he calls “Baby,” is kept in pristine condition and is used as a Parade truck throughout the city and displayed at Auto Shows and other events.
The award was presented to Mr. Squires at ISRI’s 2014 Convention in Las Vegas. In addition to travel to and lodging at the Convention, he received a crystal truck trophy, personalized certificate, ReMA Safe Driver leather jacket, congratulatory letter, and a $500 personal check.
The second-place winner was Bill Willis of Grossman Iron and Steel Company in St. Louis, and third-place went to Joseph Romeyn Jr. of Padnos, Inc. in Holland, MI.
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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI)
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the Voice of the Recycling Industry™. ReMA represents more than 1,600 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and industrially consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides safety, education, advocacy, and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.