By Kathleen Freeman
California Transportation Foundation Volunteer
Errant drivers are a constant threat to Caltrans workers. In less than a month, collisions involving errant drivers injured one Caltrans employee and killed another. The California Transportation Foundation has created assistance funds to help their families.
On July 13, 2017, Michael Jones, a District 7 Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor, was inspecting a culvert when he was struck by an errant vehicle that entered the work zone. Mike’s leg was pinned between two vehicles, resulting in a broken femur. He is currently recovering from surgery and will be off work for an extended period. Mike has a career that spans over 23 years, with experience working in various highway maintenance assignments. Mike is married with six children as well as a foster parent to three. He has been a Boy Scout leader for seven years and is active in his church. To help Mike with financial support, a CTF Workers Assistance Fund has been established. Because Mike was injured while on the job, CTF is matching donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000.
On August 8, 2017, District 3 Maintenance Supervisor Paul Inman was killed in a fatal collision on his way to work. Paul was 42 years old and a 16+ year District 3 Maintenance employee. He proudly served as a Caltrans Honor Guard in the early days of that program. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Jennifer, 19-year old son Hunter and 16-year old twins Taylor and Austin. He also leaves behind his siblings Brian Carson, Tyler Inman, DJ Inman and Dawn Boyle; mother and stepfather Laura and Gene Carson; and his father and stepmother Dave and Michelle Inman.
You can donate to these funds by sending a check to CTF or by paying with a credit card through the CTF website.
Donations by check should be made out to “CTF” and designated with either Michael Jones’ or Paul Inman’s name in the memo line. Mail checks to: CTF, 581 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864.
Donations made by credit card are accepted through the CTF website at www.transportationfoundation.org/donate. You will need to specify the fund you are donating to by selecting from the drop down menu, or entering the name of the fund using the “other” fund category.