AEP River Operations wins 38 Jones F. Devlin Awards

From left to right: Captain Nickie Alford (M/V Safety Journey); Matt Lagarde, Operations Manager-Convent; Captain George Fillmore (M/V Safety Voyager); and a representative from the Chamber of Shipping of America.

NEW ORLEANS — AEP River Operations has been recognized with having 38 vessels that have operated for two full years or more without a crew member losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury.

The Devlin Award Certificates are awarded to all self-propelled merchant vessels that work accident-free for two or more years. Three levels of achievement are recognized: a basic two-year award; a three-year award; and a four-year award. A special award is given annually to ships with five or more years of accident-free operation.

Since 1968, the Chamber of Shipping of America has sponsored two safety programs — the Jones F. Devlin and Safety Achievement Awards. The awards publicly recognize the skills and dedication of the men and women who are responsible for safe ship operations.

The awards were presented at the Annual Ship Safety Achievement Awards Luncheon in New Orleans May 23. Captain Nicki Alford, Operations Manager Matt Lagarde and Captain George Fillmore of AEP River Operations accepted the 38 awards on behalf of the vessels mentioned below.

The outstanding achievements of these 38 vessels exemplifies devotion to duty and to the principles of maritime safety, which is worthy of the highest commendation.

Vessel Names & Years of Safe Operation

• Capt. James Anderson, James E. Pinson, Mary Harter: 9 years.
• Dru Lirette: 8 years.
• James R. Morehead, R.L. Carter: 7 years.
• Gale Rhodes, Michael G. Morris: 6 years.
• Capt. Bill Stewart, Daniel W. Wise, Safety Convent, Safety Quest, 5 years.
• Buckeye State, Charlotte Roush, Chuck Zebula, Paul Striegel, Robert D. Byrd, Ron W. Callegan, Safety Legend, Safety Pride: 4 years.
• Bruce Darst, Capt. Gerald Boggs, Cody Boyd, Jeffery G. Stover, Mountain State, Roger W. Keeney, Safety Challenger, Safety Crusader, Safety First, Safety Priority: 3 years.
• AEP Leader, AEP Legacy, Chris Parsonage, Helen Lay, Noble C. Parsonage, Safety Leader, Safety Runner, Safety Team: 2 years.