Recognitions
Each year at the Alaska Community Transportation and Transit Conference, an individual is selected for his or her outstanding contribution to transit and to those who benefit from public transportation. That individual is given the Max Lyon Award, in memory of Max Lyon, the former director of MAC Transit, whose energy and vision lead to the expanded development of public transportation in Fairbanks and around the state.
On Oct. 29, during the ACT Transit Conference luncheon, this year's Max Lyon Award was given to Catholic Community Service's Dale Morris. Morris began his employment with CCS in 1993 as a Care-A-Van driver and soon became known for his caring service to the passengers. He received certification in passenger assistance techniques, passenger service and safety, Smith Systems defensive driving and was promoted to driver/trainer.
In 2002, he was promoted to the position of Care-A-Van Supervisor and has since managed the Care-A-Van Transportation Program which is Juneau's ADA Complementary Paratransit system operated by Southeast Senior Services.
Dedicated to quality service and the safety of all Care-A-Van passengers, Morris supervises a staff of seventeen drivers and two dispatchers who accommodate approximately 35,000 rides each year. Under his leadership,
Morris implemented the computer aided dispatching system called Paraplan Lite and has trained the dispatching staff in how to manage it. He works many hours to assure the safe, smooth running of the Care-A-Van program which is a real godsend to its many passengers.