Page 9 - Mississippi 811 issue 2

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accomplished by providing the address data to 911 centers across the state.
What he did to make Mississippi 811 more cost effective for its membership had consequences beyond the organization. Listening to the concerns of other stakeholders led Sam to get involved with projects that promoted public safety for all stakeholders. For that reason, he became a founder of Safety City, Inc. – a training center on the grounds of the Mississippi Fire Academy which trains natural gas operators, other utility operators and damage prevention stakeholders who are committed to public safety and damage prevention.
His commitment to Mississippi 811 and its members led him to be one of the founders of Progressive Partnering, a One-Call software company. He wanted to provide his members a better ticket and was unable to convince existing One-Call software providers to respond to his request. Mississippi 811, Tennessee 811, Arkansas 811 and Texas811 were
the founding partners of the company that was built for One-Calls by One- Calls almost 25 years ago. Partnership
was critical to the start-up and is just as important to the company today. Today Progressive Partnering provides its GeoCall software to thirteen 811 Centers.
Sam has actively served in leadership positions for underground
safety advocacy and educational organizations. Following the passage of the landmark enforcement bill that went into effect January 1, 2017, he was one of the inaugural members of the Mississippi Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board (MUFDPB). The MUFDPB was established for the purpose of enforcing the state’s dig law. As Sam stated many times over the years, “Enforcement is not now
or ever has been about civil penalties. It is about changing behaviors. Let’s educate those who will listen and hold those who won’t listen accountable.”
That’s the commonsense legacy that Sam Johnson has left for all those who care about public safety and the protection of Mississippi’s vital infrastructure.
Thanks, Sam. Thanks for your leadership! You have inspired us all!
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888-882-8777 info@utasearch.com www.damagepreventiontraining.com
2023, Issue 2
Mississippi 811 • 7