3 TxDOT Employees recognized as Texans Caring for Texans

CANYON – Each year, Texans Caring for Texans honors employees from state agencies across the upper 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle for their efforts that positively impact their communities. The event was created in 1996 by former State Representative David Swinford as a way to say, “Thank you for all the work that you do,” to outstanding Texas employees.

This year, two Texas Department of Transportation employees from the Amarillo District and one from the Childress District were among those recognized at the annual ceremony, which was held earlier this month on the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon.

Frank Figueroa, the Channing maintenance section assistant in TxDOT’s Amarillo District, was recognized for helping a stranded motorist. He was patrolling roads during the first part of the winter weather event that impacted much of the state in February of this year. He was on his second round, heading southbound on US 54 when he noticed a vehicle on the shoulder facing against traffic. “Frank thought that something may be wrong and the motorist wasn’t safe with the high volume of traffic on US 54,” said Bart Lamberson, Channing maintenance section supervisor. “He turned around and went back to check on the third party.” After visiting with the motorist, Figueroa learned that the gentleman had been stranded for nearly four hours. His vehicle had ran out of gas and he was lying down in his car with only a blanket for warmth. After a few phone calls, a fellow employee met Figueroa halfway with gas. “Our maintenance barn was about 40 miles from the location and the nearest fuel location was around 35 miles to Dalhart,” Lamberson said. “Frank gave the motorist enough fuel to get him to a gas station. The temperatures were start

ing to get colder and if Frank hadn’t arrived when he did, the stranded motorists said he planned to start walking soon.” Prior to becoming a maintenance section assistant, Figueroa worked as an equipment operator. He has more than 26 years’ experience with TxDOT and plans to retire at the end of this month. Also recognized as a Texan Caring for Texans this year was Dustin Graves, a general transportation technician at the Amarillo District’s Claude maintenance section. After finding out they couldn’t have their own children in 2016, Graves and his wife, Carolyne, started the process of becoming foster parents. They began with in-person classes every week, background checks, home studies, home inspections, and some online training. Then, in 2017, they finally became licensed foster care parents. They were called immediately and started an incredible new life, fostering 12 children – most recently a preemie that they are hoping to adopt in addition to the four they’ve already adopted – three girls and one boy. The graves said there have been a lot of ups and downs with lots tears and laughter – and it well worth it. Graves is approaching his 11th year of service with TxDOT and also is a veteran of the US Navy. Annabel Jurado, a planner in TxDOT’s Childress District, was also recognized as a Texan Caring for Texans this year. She currently serves as chair of the District’s Employee Advisory Committee (EAC). In that role, she is responsible for fundraisers throughout the year to help employees with financial burdens when they are faced with unfortunate medical emergencies. Last year alone, the EAC gifted $4,300 to employees in need. Jurado has been with TxDOT”s Childress District for five years. Outside of work, Jurado serves as a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA is a national association that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children. As a volunteer, she gathers information and makes recommendations in the best interest of the child, keeping the personal wishes of the child in mind. Jurado also serves as a Sunday School teacher and is involved with the Youth Group at her church. “Our districts are fortunate to have several employees who are constantly giving back to the communities in which they serve,” said Amarillo District Engineer Blair Johnson.