Schnitzer Steel driver has logged over 40 years without an accident
Vancouver – 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 40 (plus) year career without a single preventable accident. During this time, Mr. Squires has logged nearly 3 million miles on the road. The award, now in its third year, recognizes outstanding drivers who have driven a commercial vehicle for at least 20 years without incurring a preventable accident.
“Driving a truck in bumper to bumper traffic and around all types of heavy equipment is no easy task. Those who perform their job each and every day while keeping an emphasis on safety deserve recognition,” said Commodor Hall, transportation safety director for ISRI. “For more than 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 truck drivers who keep America’s roads 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 42 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 2015 Convention in Vancouver. 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 Kim Carr of GLR Advanced Recycling Roseville, MI, and third-place went to Greg Drier of Padnos, Inc. in Holland, MI.
*Photos Available Upon Request
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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.