Page 9 - Tennessee 811 Magazine 2020 Issue 4

that is not only a great safety message, but also a good meal, door prizes and pocketknives.
Other ways Sam has gotten Springfield Gas System involved with public awareness is by setting up a booth
at Lowe’s for contractor days. Giving excavators the opportunity to come by and grab some neat promotional items and build a relationship with their local natural gas company. He also helped coordinate a simulated gas line damage last year at the Robertson County Fairgrounds (see 2019 Issue 2 of the Tennessee811 magazine). That was an event that took months to plan but was very successful. Folks from across the state came out to attend and to compete in the equipment rodeo sponsored by Thompson CAT. Because of the success of the event, Sam and Springfield Gas System received a safety award for “excellence in risk management” from their insurance company, Public Entity Partners Insurance Group.
A more recent event, held on September 18th at Springfield Gas System, was titled “Damage Prevention During COVID-19”. Sam and I talked about putting together an event where we could provide face coverings and
advise people to wear them while
also being outside to allow plenty
of room for social distancing. On Monday, September 14th, Sam and I started planning. Knowing the weather was going to be nice on the 18th,
and knowing what Sam was capable
of based on my past experience of working with him to coordinate events,
I supported Sam as he decided to
run with the idea to make the event happen in just four days. With all
the great relationships Sam has in
the gas industry and with the City of Springfield and its departments, the message quickly spread. Sam and I rode around and stopped at construction sites talking to excavators and locators. We stopped at the local emergency management office, the local fire halls, and all the city halls in the surrounding area. We invited those folks for a good lunch and safety message. Sam said,
“I had the support from my Director Greg Riddle, our city leaders in City Manager Gina Holt, Assistant City Manager Ryan Martin, TPUC Officials, Director Bryce Keener and Deputy Director Travis Aslinger, and finally
the support from Tennessee811. I appreciate the confidence they all put in us to succeed.” The event was indeed a success with 111 folks in attendance. We had speakers talk about different struggles that their entities have faced during this pandemic. “I cannot thank our speakers enough for their safety messages. We had Travis Aslinger with TPUC, Jerry Snodgrass with Lebanon Gas, and Mark Riggins with Clarksville Gas and Water all speak.”
Sam shared a few of the principles he follows when trying to work together with others and establish good relationships. First, Sam said, “I feel I’m pretty strong in my faith. The Lord would want me to follow the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule states treat others as you want to be
treated. Sometimes, there are difficult people to work with and I try to treat everyone the same. It is also important to be patient with people. Sometimes
an excavator may make a mistake, but none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes. That is why I try to make
sure and get around and see as many excavators on job sites as possible to keep that open line of communication.” Sam also mentioned that Tennessee811 has always been good to provide promo items to give out to excavators and emergency responders. “I like to give the excavators and their crews hats and other promo items to let them know I’m there to assist in any way possible.” Sam also shared one of his favorite quotes
by Abigail Van Buren: “The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back.” Getting to know Sam these last six and a half years, I have watched this man practice these principles. Sam never wants to take credit for anything that he has achieved, but instead tries to give credit to those who helped him achieve the goals with him.
Sam, thanks for your hard work and commitment to safety. You’re a great example of a team player and you deserve to be recognized as this quarter’s Damage Prevention MVP.
Want to recognize someone for their commitment to damage prevention? Let us know who and why – they might be our next MVP! Send nominations to Jason Fryer at jfryer@tennessee811.com.
Left to Right Ryan Martin-Assistant City Manager for City of Springfield, Jason Head-Springfield Police Chief, Jason Fryer-Damage Prevention Liaison with Tennessee811, Tony Cobb-Owner of Cobb Construction, David Traughber-Locate Technician-Springfield Gas System, Dean Scott-Gas Operations Superintendent-Springfield Gas System Sam Andavazo-Safety & Training Coordinator-Springfield Gas System, Travis Aslinger-Deputy Director-TPUC, Bryce Keener-Director-TPUC, Jeremy Leggett-Lieutenant- Springfield Fire Department, Charles Gardner-Firefighter-Springfield Fire Department
2020, Issue 4 Tennessee811 • 7