AMC SAFETY CIVILIAN PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
By STAFF WRITER
MR. DAVID C. O’NEIL
6 ARW, MACDILL AFB, FL
MR. DAVID C. O’NEIL of the 6th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), FL, is the Air Mobility Command Safety Civilian Professional of the Year.
O’Neil managed Command and Control operations during Hurricane Idalia, where his innovation in a remote environment propelled strategic Risk Management (RM) planning. His commitment ensured a successful recovery response and was praised as a cornerstone by Wing and U.S. Central Command Commanders.
O’Neil was the driving force behind 97 comprehensive safety inspections. He discovered 17 hazards and deficiencies, providing units with succinct corrective recommendations to ensure 100 percent compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Air Force directives. He authored 22 publications and championed focused safety campaigns. He led three Wing events while encouraging leadership involvement and arming base personnel with mishap-prevention techniques.
As a member of the County Traffic Safety team, O’Neil coordinated with eight local agencies to support the “Arrive Alive” initiative that reduced crashes by 12 percent from the previous calendar year, identified 17 road hazards, and educated Airmen on safe driving. He displayed outstanding commitment while organizing the ”101 Critical Days of Summer” campaign, and anti-drinking and driving messaging. His dedication safeguarded 19,000 base personnel. He cultivated awareness for pedestrian and child safety by working with the Traffic Safety Coordination Group to ensure road signs were acquired for schools and heavily trafficked areas, which decreased near-miss accidents by 78 percent and protected the base population of more than 30,000.
O’Neil solved an A-10 aircraft parking shortfall by identifying a new explosive loading spot and coordinating a waiver for 6 ARW Commander approval. In addition, he tackled the fall protection programs and six Professional Development Symposium sessions by validating two groups, identifying deficient training, and working with training sections and Unit Safety Representatives to provide specific rescue training for unit commanders. His dedication to improvement honed his leadership skills and strengthened community relations.