Speech by Construction Operations Manager, Rick McNelley, which was used to recognize Dale amongst his colleagues and family at a Construction Foreman’s Holiday Luncheon on December 10th, 2024.
“Why do we always talk about safety?
The answer should be simple.
To protect ourselves and our team members who work beside us so we can all return from work each day safe and sound.
Our business is tough, it’s fast paced, and it is very unpredictable at times.
We always say we must have our head on a swivel.
So, what happens when you are faced with adversity? How quickly are you able respond.
I ask this question because I want to share a story of heroic actions.
When you think of a hero what comes to your mind? Superman, Spiderman, Batman? We typically associate the word hero with action figures or movie stars.
To me a hero displays courage, bravery, selflessness, humility, and patience.
Nobody practices being a hero or aspires to be. A hero is called upon from a higher power in a time of adversity and serious need. It takes a special individual to react quickly and appropriately in a moment of need.
In the early morning hours of August 21st, 2024, a hero was called upon.
As the last several traffic cones were being picked up from the traffic pattern on SR 78, our crash truck driver noticed a vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was directly in line with the crash truck and our crew members picking up cones.
I ask, in a similar situation, what would you do?
With No signs of the vehicle slowing down as you watch in your mirrors the lights of the vehicle getting closer and closer and closer knowing you are in imminent danger? What would you do?
Dale Cooper, Pennsy Construction team member, made the selfless choice to maintain his position and protect the team members on the roadway in front of him. Unable to know the consequence of the coming collision, Dale stayed in position and braced for impact. He put his own life and welfare on the line to save the team members working in front of him. Dale‘s crash truck was struck by the oncoming vehicle at an estimated speed of 65mph. His decision resulted in saving the lives of several team members and miraculously, he walked away with minimal bumps and bruises.
Imagine the repercussions of what could’ve had happened if Dale hadn’t maintained his position to protect our employees. This holiday season wouldn’t be so blessed for some families for sure. It could have been devastating!
On the morning of August 21st in a time of uncertainty, Dale put his life on the line to save others.
Not all Superheroes wear capes, or can fly, or climb the side of a building. On that morning, our Hero wore a hard hat and boots.”