Reilly receives NREA top safety award

Earl Reilly, Operations Manager/Safety Director at Wheat Belt Public Power District, received the 2013 Jack McEnerney Award from the Nebraska Rural Electric Association's Job Training & Safety Committee.

The Jack McEnerney Award is presented annually at the Job Training & Safety Conference to an individual whose outstanding efforts in safety and training best exemplify the example set by Jack McEnerney. All superintendents, foremen and linemen employed by one of the 34 rural electric member systems of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association are eligible.

Reilly has been employed by Wheat Belt PPD for 28 years and has been the Operations Manager and Safety Director for ten of those years. As a result of Mr. Reilly's leadership, Wheat Belt has exceeded 224,000 hours of "No Lost Time" accidents. He has been an active member of the JT&S Committee and currently serves on theNREA Apprenticeship Committee. Reilly has also completed the National Rural Electric Associations CertifiedLoss Control and Advanced Loss Control Courses. He has been a big part of the Dalton Community for many years, being a member of the Dalton Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, past EMT, Dalton Village Board of Director, church board of director, and caretaker of the St. Mary's Catholic and Dalton Cemeteries. Mr. Reilly has also been involved in helping area youth. He has been a Boy Scout Leader for 19 years, CCD Teacher, and little league coach.

Tim Lindahl, Wheat Belt Public Power District general manager, nominated Reilly for the award because of his leadership and efforts to share his safety knowledge with others. "The electric utility industry has many risks and opportunities for employee and public injury. Having a gentleman with deep community roots to lead the safety of our organization in a best in class manner deserves recognition through this award," Lindahl said.