Page 7 - Mississippi 811 Magazine 2022 Issue 1

He continued, “If you don’t control it, it will control you.”
When asked how has his relationship with Mississippi 811 benefited Lamar County, he quickly responded, “Truthfully, 811 has been one of the best relationships I’ve developed. Not only do they provide on site safety training for our entire department, but they also help us with training on damage investigations. They fought for positive response and got it done. That has really proved beneficial in that we know when to go to work. Saved us a lot of time. While white lining is not yet settled across the state, it is settled in our mind. In Lamar County, we white line everything we’re going to do. We know it helps the locator and it works for us.”
When asked to comment on the value Tommy Jones brings to the damage prevention table, Charles Stallings, Mississippi 811 Damage Prevention Manager stated, “Tommy not only requires all county work crews to
have a one call ticket and to dig in a safe and prudent manor, but he has also implemented a county wide dig ordinance with enforcement requiring all excavators to do the same. He is a true damage prevention champion.”
Not only that, but after serving for many years as the Chairman of the Road Managers’ Association, Tommy continues to be an influencer for Mississippi 811 and an ambassador for Damage Prevention across the state.
Congratulations Tommy, it is our privilege to recognize your leadership.
If you’re digging in Lamar County, expect to see Jerry Shelby drive up in his new Utility Inspection truck. Be sure to have your 811 ticket and Lamar County Permit with you.
2022, Issue 1 Mississippi 811 • 5