06-21-2005 2005 Evan J. Sears Award Recipient Announced

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2005 EVAN J. SEARS AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED Page 1 of 2 � v%• 'Building a 21St Century City " ' rs Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM: FOR RELEASE: Office of the Mayor Tuesday, June 21, 2005 2005 EVAN J. SEARS AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED Mayor Stephen J. Luecke and Marci Sears today presented the 2005 Evan J. Sears Award. This memorial scholarship was created in honor of Evan J. Sears, an intern with the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, who was killed in a traffic accident while working in a city street during the summer of 1999. While remembering and still grieving the loss of Evan Sears, The City strives to turn tragedy into triumph. Mayor Luecke emphasized that safety is the City's number one priority. Mayor Luecke thanked Marci Sears, Evan's mother, for her continued efforts to partner with the city in selecting the recipient of the annual scholarship in Evan's memory, stating that "his memory is celebrated each year in the awarding of this scholarship." Ms. Sears stated that "It is a great consolation to me and my family that Evan's name is forever linked with the effort and act of safe work environments, both in their creation and maintenance" Mrs. Sears continued by saying "his memory is honored by this annual event to encourage and reward safety as it is demonstrated by young people working for the City of South Bend." This year's scholarship recipient is Eric Baierl. He is employed by the Traffic and Lightening Department. Eric attends Indiana University where he is pursuing a degree in Religious Studies. His supervisor, Mark Horvath stated that Eric is a very safety conscious young man, who is dependable in completion of assignments, is a self—starter, has an excellent attendance record, and is an asset to the Department. In addition to sponsoring the Evan J. Sears Scholarship, the City continues its commitment to improving safety practices and performance. This year, the Public Works Department has added some new training components for summer employees in all Departments. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been added along with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The equipment and information are provided for employees to be aware of hazards and to wear safety glasses, gloves and other protective gear when involved in work efforts that can be dangerous. The Department is also encouraging employees to share the information with their families. Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, recognized the efforts of the managers, supervisors, and employees, stating we are "working together to reach the City's goal of zero accidents and zero injuries.We can achieve this goal by educating both our employees and the traveling public about traffic hazards and safety procedures." Past recipients of the annual Evan J. Sears Memorial Scholarship Award were • Dustin Hartman 2001 • Lamond Brown 2002 • Todd Plawinski 2003 • Bridget Sniadecki 2004 http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/062105 SearsAward.htm 1/13/2006