RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Brenda Waters 276-669-9999 bristolinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Michelle Earl 276-669-9901

BRIS-149 Oct. 25, 2005

Compton selected as VDOT Equipment Technician of the Year

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Tim Compton, equipment repair and service technician for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Oakwood Equipment Shop, was recently selected as VDOT’s 2005 Equipment Repair Technician of the Year.

“Tim is a very talented person who has the ability to look at a problem or situation and see solutions that other people may not see,” Erle Potter, VDOT State Equipment Manager, said.

Compton, a 12-year VDOT employee, designed and fabricated specialized shop equipment and tools that have made labor-intensive tasks safer, less strenuous, and less time consuming. He also designed and installed safety devises on mowing machines and other equipment that has lessened the opportunities for injury to the operator, other employees and property.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Compton is an active part of his community and spends time volunteering at local school functions and in recruitment at Southwest Virginia Community College. Compton also is a very talented carpenter who built his own home and has volunteered his weekends to help fellow employees make home repairs. He is currently a volunteer with Oakwood Housing, a community organization that raises funds to do home renovations for families in need.

Compton was nominated by his supervisor, David Adams. After being selected as the Bristol District Technician of the Year, his application went to Richmond, along with ten of his counterparts’ applications, for the statewide review of nominations.

Compton resides in Oakwood with his wife, Helen, and their children Sabrina, 21, Kristina, 16, and Zachary, 8.