Jeff Brees joins other winners of a distinguished award in District 10.
By Bob Highfill
District 10 public information officer
Maintenance workers in the Sierra Nevada kind of brush it off when someone asks if their job involves more than a fair share of risk.
Jeff Brees has expertly accomplished potentially dangerous tasks for 10 years with Caltrans District 10 and for close to 40 years altogether.
What many would consider hair-raising, Brees takes in stride as an Operator II, CEO II at the Caples Lake Maintenance Yard.
Recently, Brees was named the 2021 Caltrans District 10 Maintenance Employee of the Year for his outstanding work, leadership and commitment to keeping himself and his colleagues and the traveling public safe.
“It means a lot to me,” Brees said. “I just try to do the job and it’s nice to be recognized for it.”
The recognition ceremony took place at the Caples Lake Maintenance Yard on May 4. Charly Modrell, Region Manager II, and Mauricio Serrano, Deputy District Director Maintenance, presented the award.
“I was very impressed with Jeff’s work ethic, dedication and commitment,” Serrano said. “Everyone who works with Jeff values his knowledge and expertise.”
Billy Newman, supervisor of Caples Lake Maintenance, said Brees is a modest leader with unmatched professionalism.
“Jeff is the go-to for avalanche, climbing, welding and fabrication, ordering of supplies, snow quality and snow quantities,” Newman said. “Jeff is always working. He is the first to get out and the last to come in.”
Brees’ job is multi-faceted, and physically and mentally demanding. Brees is involved with the Avalanche Control Program. His skills are vast. He can fire the Gas-X system, the artillery, and the hand charges, and perform road maintenance and snow removal operations. Brees also does rock blasting jobs wherever needed in District 10 with Avalanche Superintendent Rob Bickor.
Brees joined District 10 after 30 years working with Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s Ski Patrol team, where he ascended to assistant patrol director and safety manager.
“I like being in the mountains, that’s number one,” said Brees, “and then I like the variety that we have here. It’s an awesome place to be working.”
Brees said he respects his co-workers and appreciates that they have his back.
“And I try to have their backs,” Brees said. “We work in an area with maybe a higher level of risk because of avalanche danger and the ski area traffic. I think it’s key and I just appreciate that.”