Kansas City Emergency Responder stops an impaired driver from returning to the road

Kansas City Emergency Responder Operator Carlos Campos’ assistance continues to go above and beyond. 

Campos recently stopped an impaired driver from walking into traffic and getting back behind the wheel.

 

“The call that we got was a stall,” Campos said.

 

Upon arrival at the scene, Campos said he realized the driver had hit something and was also impaired. Campos told the dispatcher to inform the Kansas City Police about the collision and possible DUI suspect.

 

Meanwhile, the driver got out of the car. Campos said he focused on keeping out of traffic while the police arrived.

 

“The driver did display several signs of impairment and the driver was arrested for DUI,” Police Officer Jordan Infranca wrote in an email to MoDOT. “I am going to send Mr. Campos a KCPD DUI coin for his keen observations in regards to the impaired driver and thank him for keeping our Kansas City Roads and Interstates clear and safe.”

 

Campos has a reputation for going above and beyond. In 2020 he saved a police officer from Rolling an F-150.

 

For Campos, it’s all part of a day’s work.

 

“It makes me feel good,” he said.

2021 end of year retirements

 The Kansas City District had several retirements at the end of 2021. We wish all these MoDOT team members the best of luck in the next phase of life. 

Nettie Golston

Deborah Hogan

Rick Oaks

Doug Young

LeeAnn Otis

TA compliance saves lives

It only takes one distracted driver for an ordinary task like mowing the median to become anything but ordinary.

This happened to a crew from the Concordia Maintenance facility this summer.

“It was a mowing operation,” Maintenance Worker Daniel Pratt said when he retold the incident.

Pratt drove the back TMA while Senior Maintenance Worker Dave Hemme and Crew Leader Ryan Anderson mowed the median on westbound Interstate 70.

The crew said they saw a semi-driving behind the operation in the left lane of westbound I-70. The semi appeared to pass the operation in the right lane but then veered left. The truck wove in and out of the operation, missing the TMAs and tractor but hitting the guard rail.

“There was no time to do anything,” Hemme said. “My heart was pounding in my chest.”

Maintenance Supervisor Loren Moore said he remembers driving past the mowing operation that morning.

“It happened right before I drove by,” Moore said. “One of the things that kept everyone safe is our spacing.”

Moore said his crews follow the guidelines for Typical Applications (TAs), which in this case involved the spacing between the TMAs and the mowing tractor.

“They were following the TA guidance,” Moore said. “They were spot on.”

The crew’s diligence likely saved a life that day, or at the very least prevented an injury.

Moore said this incident demonstrates the importance of following the guidelines and being mentally prepared.

“These guys have time to prepare mentally,” Moore said.

Incidents can occur at any time so operations employees must be focused at all times.

“It’s just wild out there,” Hemme said. “There was no warning.”

Kuddos to the crew from Concordia Maintenance Facility for following guidelines and staying focused.

If you would like to give kudos to anyone in our operations crews, email arley.hoskin@modot.mo.gov with details.

 

Get to know Kansas City's new Assistant District Engineers

The Kansas City District started the New Year with two new assistant district engineers. Matt Killion will serve as Assistant District Engineer on the operations side and Jeff Hardy will be the Assistant District Engineer on the project delivery side.

Matt Killion

Jeff Hardy

Killion and Hardy recently answered a few questions to help employees get to know them better.

How long have you been with MoDOT? 

Killion: 22 Years

Hardy: 13 years

What motivated you to become an engineer? 

Killion: I was always intrigued with the science and methods of building large structures like bridges and skyscrapers. That interest and curiosity drove me to become an engineer.

Hardy: I liked math, science, and building things when I was growing up, so it seemed like the right career. After becoming a father, it is about providing a safe transportation system to make sure my kids and everyone else get home safely.

 

What makes you a good fit to lead your designated area?  

Killion: I strive to make sure all voices are heard and have input on direction and specific decisions. It’s very important to me that everyone has a voice and has the opportunity to give input. 

Hardy: My 30 years of experience in program delivery and my willingness to support my staff on decisions made on their jobs. 

 

What do you see as the future of operations?  

Killion: We need to continue to use innovation to find ways to work safer. I’m very passionate about assuring everyone goes home safe every day.

What do you see as the future of program delivery?  

Hardy: We have some very exciting times ahead! With the additional funding from both the state and federal levels, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our transportation system.

 

What most excites you about your new role? 

Killion: Working with our incredible team to continue/further the pursuit of our mission. The work we do is so very important. 

Hardy: The great staff that we have here at MoDOT and getting to work with them.

 

What do you hope to accomplish in your new role? 

Killion: Providing our team with the resources they need to do their jobs safely. Also, I’d like to find ways to resolve our staffing challenges in Operations. 

Hardy: Provide the support to the program delivery team that makes their jobs rewarding while delivering one of the largest construct programs in MoDOT history.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about you? 

Killion: My door is always open, so please stop in and let me know if there’s something I can help with.

Hardy: I have an open door and willing to help out where ever I can.

 

What is your favorite holiday treat? 

Killion: That’s the toughest question! If I have to pick one, it’s CHOCOLATE!!

Hardy: Salted Caramel Cheese Cake!