Safety center employee receives public service award

  • Published
  • By John Cochran
  • Air Force Safety Center
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  The Air Force's traffic safety manager is one of four current federal workers and a retiree to receive a 2008 Government Employees Insurance Company Public Service Award.

Frank Kelley received the honor, in the "Traffic Safety and Accident Prevention" category, for significant contributions to vehicular and pedestrian safety, and for public education and enlightenment.

In a Feb. 11 announcement, GEICO's federal program administrator, Daryl E. Glover, addressed what's in store for the honorees.

"Recipients and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid five-day trip to Washington, D.C., for the May 4 ceremony at the National Archives Building. Each will receive a commemorative plaque for special achievements and contribution to the public good, and a cash award of $2,500. We look forward to welcoming each recipient for a weekend celebrating their accomplishments." 

Upon learning of his selection, Mr. Kelley spoke of his gratitude and shared the accolade with other contributors. 

"I've received many gracious congratulatory comments and praise from senior leaders and teammates that are heartwarming and spirit-raising in their own right. It is comforting to know that I've been able to at least touch the high standards of our Air Force Core Values so notably achieved each day by the Safety Center team. Being selected to represent our Air Force in accepting this award is a great privilege. Though I have the honor, it would not have been possible without the terrific support of so many people and organizations. Our senior leadership, my fellow Safety Center warriors, the MAJCOM and wing safety staffs, and especially our volunteer Motorcycle Safety Foundation motorcycle instructors, as well as our partnerships across the Defense Department, federal agencies, and the private sector, have made this happen. It is for that spirit of cooperation that this award has been rightfully earned, not by a lone individual, but by the everyday efforts of the people of our great nation." 

Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Safety Center, highlighted Kelley's selflessness. 

"I echo that message -- it was a super team approach across Team Safety that led to this great award." 

The award nomination sums up the duty performance that garnered this selection. 

"Mr. Kelley is the benchmark for traffic safety and accident-prevention leadership, management, and technical expertise for the U.S. Air Force. Whether working with the public sector, interacting with Air Force senior leaders, or fighting the battle against traffic mishaps, Frank's perseverance, can-do attitude, and desire to take care of our Airmen and the public users they share the road with is ever-present. Frank puts words into action and delivers results that affect the entire Air Force and public road users every day! He inspires others to do their best. His achievements merit recognition at the highest level." 

Mr. Kelley recognized that America's public roads claim more Airmen's lives than any other threat, and developed a strategic plan to reduce this needless loss of life. His plan focused on partnering with public traffic safety-minded agencies, developing mentorship programs for motorcyclists, increasing the traffic safety education of Airman to help keep public streets safe, and ensuring Air Force senior leaders and public officials are part of the plan to reduce traffic mishaps. 

His passion in developing this strategic plan has been instrumental in significantly reducing traffic accidents and fatalities across the Air Force; fatal mishaps have decreased by nearly 60 percent from the fiscal 2002 baseline. 

The Air Force's off-duty private motor vehicle fatality rates are significantly below historical levels. Automobile fatality rates are 72 percent below fiscal 2002 numbers, and off-duty motorcycle fatality rates are 33 percent below the fiscal 2002 result. This is a remarkable achievement, given that motorcycle fatalities are rising across the United States after a 600 percent increase in motorcycle sales. 

Seeing the need to heighten public awareness in preventing traffic accidents, Mr. Kelley coordinated with the Traffic Safety Institute and developed two new courses for the Air Force. First was a Traffic Safety Program Manager's Course, and then an Accident Investigation Course. Students in those courses learn to partner with public agencies to improve traffic safety and accident prevention for all road users. 

Other traffic safety agencies have sought and recognized Mr. Kelley's expertise. 

Michael Baldwin, National Traffic Safety Division manager of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Traffic Safety Institute, called on him in building a pilot course for motorcycle safety program coordinators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The training program is expected to benefit military and civilian motorcyclists nationwide. 

"Frank Kelley is a nationally renowned motorcycle safety expert who was key to developing this important course," Mr. Baldwin said. 

In 2006, the Air Force won the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's "Outstanding Military Branch Award" for the first time, largely because of Kelley's efforts. In addition, the MSF presented the Air Force Safety Center with its "Outstanding Press Award." The MSF also gave one "Outstanding Base" and six "Outstanding Rider Coach Instructor" honors to Airmen across the service, in part due to his mentorship of them. 

In 2007, the Air Force again received an "Outstanding Base" and "Outstanding Rider Coach Instructor" award from the MSF, and Mr. Kelley was recognized for his "Outstanding Motorcycle Safety Support." 

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