MECA Safety Director, Joe McElroy, was recently presented the Leroy M. Vanderpool Recognition Award at the January Quad State Instructors Winter Conference.  

“I am beyond humbled to receive this award,” McElroy said, “there are multiple people within the Quad States group who are more deserving to be chosen.” 

Leroy Vanderpool was a pioneer in safety at the co-op level. His contributions to Quad State Instructors and its efforts to improve electrical utility workers’ safety inspired the creation of the award. Nominees are evaluated on several criteria including leadership, professionalism, self-improvement, and setting a good example for safety.  

The recipient of the Leroy M. Vanderpool award receives a traveling plaque featuring past winners, an individual plaque, and a donation of $500 to a charity of his choice.  

Joe has chosen Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo, Michigan as his charity of choice. Gryphon Place is the leading agency for suicide prevention in the Kalamazoo area. To learn more about Gryphon Place and the services they offer visit gryphon.org.  

Quad State Instructors is a collaborative group of electric utility safety professionals from across the United States. The organization holds two conferences per year where attendees can exchange information and solutions, upgrade skills and collaborate on training programs and best practices. 

Thank you, Joe, for your continued commitment to safety!