Page 12 - Texas

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Before you dig, dig this.
Pipeline safety starts from the ground up.
Always call 811 before you dig. It’s the law.
Get more pipeline safety information at xtoenergy.com.
Know what’s below. Call before you dig.
10 • Texas811
2024, Issue 4
Northeast Regional Champion and Andy Hoel Excellence in Damage Prevention Awardee – Justin Kirk, Atmos Energy
The 2024 Northeast Texas Regional Champion is Justin Kirk. Justin has been on both sides of the one-call process for twenty-six years. At fourteen, he began his career working
in the family plumbing business. There, he gleaned the importance of submitting a quality locate notification. As a locator, he applied his work experience to improve stakeholder communication between the excavator and the locator. In
2016 an opportunity to work at Atmos Energy presented itself. Being a family man with a wife and four children, they all agreed that his next step should be to apply to Atmos. He did and was hired as an internal locator. After a couple of years of hard work and dedication, he was promoted to Damage Prevention Specialist, where he takes an active lead role.
During his time at Atmos, Justin has played a key role in coaching existing employees on effective locating and damage investigation. He initiated key changes within his department and company, such as hiring new pipeline locators and standby and watch personnel. He has also trained new Damage Prevention Specialists and helped each acclimate to their new roles.
Whether inclement Texas weather has made his home unlivable, or he has been out all night on a call, Justin attends every DPC meeting. He has been an active member for a decade. He serves as the Northeast Texas Chapter President, the North Texas Chapter Vice President, and the Sergeant of Arms for the East Texas Chapter. He actively seeks ways to promote damage prevention and safe excavation within these Texas areas.
He is dedicated and enthusiastic about damage prevention. He provides educational sessions during chapter meetings and excavation safety days. He engages attendees and actively listens to their concerns. He presents best practice options and guidance. He even shares his cell phone number during each DPC meeting so that others feel they have a good point of contact for Atmos. He truly supports the DPC’s mission to facilitate underground utility and pipeline damage prevention, promote best practices, and contribute toward public safety and environmental protection through stakeholder education and communication.
Few are as loyal and driven ‘to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, no matter if anyone else is watching’ as Justin Kirk. He truly represents his company and the Damage Prevention Council of Texas well. We appreciate everything he does to make this industry safer.
Congratulations to all of our award winners for 2024. We appreciate your dedication to and support of the Damage Prevention Council of Texas.
XTO Contractor Print Ad 2017 1.indd 1 10/13/17 9:36 AM