Damage Prevention Advocacy Awards 2022

The Board of Directors at JULIE, Inc. (JULIE) announced the winners of the first Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Awards at its recent annual meeting. David Tidball, a damage prevention specialist for ComEd, and Rich Kuczkowski, Jr., a superintendent for Nash Brothers Construction, were chosen as the 2022 recipients for their dedication as advocates of damage prevention.

Chosen from a pool of nominations from throughout Illinois, JULIE selected Tidball as one of the winners because of the positive impact he has made through outreach, advocacy and education. In the nomination submitted by a peer at MetroNet, Tidball was recognized for being one of the most proactive and responsive advocates for safety with a professional and positive attitude.

Kuczkowski was chosen as a second recipient because of his damage prevention work in the excavation industry. Nominated by a co-worker, Kuczkowski was recognized for his commitment to safety and the prevention of damages on the job site. Since Kuczkowski joined the team, his crews have had zero at-fault damages while installing nearly 1,100 commercial and residential gas services. Kuczkowski was noted for his ability to build relationships with various industry stakeholders.
JULIE established this award in memory of Meehan-Taylor. She was a damage prevention professional with Ameren Illinois, who was passionate about protecting underground utilities. She actively promoted and spread the message about the importance and need to contact JULIE and the 811 message prior to digging. Meehan-Taylor had also served on our Board of Directors and Public Education Committee.

“Gina was a wonderful friend, colleague and damage prevention champion,” said Mark Frost, JULIE’s executive director. “We are proud her legacy can live on through these awards which allow us to recognize others making a difference in the lives of those who live and work around underground utilities.”
Nominations are sought from anyone within the industry including utility members, excavators, first responders, locators and others who embody Meehan-Taylor’s passion for safety. Nominations are due on May 31 each year.

A not-for-profit agency based in Joliet, JULIE represents 1,980 members and covers Illinois, outside the city of Chicago. JULIE personnel do not perform locating or marking services. For more information about the award nomination process or safe digging practices, go to www.JULIEBeforeYouDig.com.