Page 31 - FY Annual Report 2017-18

While they like to have fun, the traf-
fic crew takes pride in their work.

“I like striping because I’m liter-
ally leaving my mark on the roads
and making them safer,” said Isidro
Andrade-Tafolla, Utility Worker. “At
the end of a long hot day, I can see
my hard work and progress pay off.”

On average, Washington County
crews apply more than 400 miles of
striping annually.
Pedro Orozco, Traffic Maintenance Worker II
“I think striping is one of those
things people take for granted,” Bell
Juston Bell, Medium Equipment Operator, often runs the striping gun. said. “They don’t realize how import-
Most of the year he works on the vegetation crew, but in the summer, ant it is until it’s not there.”
he switches.
The road crew members don’t take
“I like to experience new things,” he said. “Switching crews gives me a anything road-related for granted.
better understanding of everything we do. Some people are fine doing Their goal is to maintain road
the same job and routine. I personally like to challenge myself and have safety for all who travel in Wash-
new experiences.”
ington County.
Bell maneuvers the striping cab to determine exactly where the paint lands. “I like working for the public
He leans his head out the window, constantly checking to make sure the because I care about the people in
lines are lying down perfectly, covering the old, faded markings. It’s a job our community,” said Fernando Vil-
that requires precision and attention to detail.
licana, Utility Worker, who has been
“There can’t be any mistakes; it needs to be perfect when it hits the with Ops for 20 years. “The line
ground,” Bell said. “It’s a chaotic orchestra, and you only get one shot.” markings are critical for safety. They
keep you on the road, tell you where
“It’s definitely not as easy as it looks,” agrees Pedro Orozco, Traffic Main- to go and what not to do. They are
tenance Worker II. “The hardest thing about gunning is keeping up with very important for everyone who
the driver. You have to move the guns in and out and have good hand-eye uses the roads.”
coordination. You have to keep looking at the lines, but at the same time
feel the truck and where it may move to next.” “When we’re putting down lines, I
think about the family that will be
Though it’s not easy, Orozco said running the striping gun is fun.
using the road,” Bell agreed. “I want
“It reminds me of playing ‘Pac-Man’ as a child,” he said. “Driving along to make sure the stripes are the
and following the dashed centerlines with a truck is a lot like playing a right pattern and in the right spot to
video game.” keep that family safe.”

27 | Partnering for the Future LUT Annual Report FY 2017–18 LUT Annual Report FY 2017–18 Partnering for the Future | 28