Department of Public Safety
Recognizes Plant Operations'
Employees:

Awards to recognize exemplary actions in 1999 were presented February 24th by the University of Michigan's Department of Public Safety Board of Awards committee. Three employees from Plant Operations were among the honorees during a luncheon at the Kipke Conference Center.

Sam Rochon, a construction laborer in Utilities and Maintenance Services; Nelson Amrhein, a plumber in UMS; and Nick Dimitroff, a steamfitter in Plumbing and Heating; were each presented with the Outstanding Public Service Award to honor voluntary service that involved sacrifice to job or self while assisting DPS.

The three workers had responded when Bill Polliey, a U-M electrician, was severely injured in a fire at G.G. Brown in August 1999. Rochon began attempts to extinguish the fire, helping to prevent further damage or injury. Amrhein and Dimitroff entered the smoke-filled corridor and assisted in evacuating the electrician to a safer location. All three gentlemen were recognized by DPS for placing themselves in extraordinary circumstances while attempting to save a life without regard to their own personal safety.

UMS is planning a memorial ceremony in honor of Bill Polliey to dedicate a plaque sometime in May.

- Diane Brown, Facilities & Operations