RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Paula K Jones . 434-856-8176 lynchburginfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

LYN-06-030 March 17, 2006

LOCAL VDOT EMPLOYEE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Grahame E. “Mac” McLaughlin, Equipment Repair Technician Senior at the Appomattox Residency in the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), recently received recognition as the second-runner up in the national 2005 Technician of the Year competition sponsored by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP).

McLaughlin has been an employee of VDOT for over 30 years and has worked on equipment ranging from small engines to light construction machinery. He has used his skills and training to provide technical assistance, guidance and hands-on training to his co-workers.

A man of innovation, McLaughlin has designed and built several safety-related products in use by the Department. These include devices to safely remove the 500 lb. counterweight from the tractor wheel of a boom axe, to safely secure the steel roller wheel while working under the steel wheel paving roller and to safely release pressure on switchblade mower blades.

McLaughlin is a certified Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic in and member of the International Fluid Power Society; he is also an ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician.

The Technician of the Year Award is given “in recognition of professionalism, technical skills, innovative troubleshooting and diagnostics, and for exemplary contributions to the equipment technician profession” according to the AEMP.