Fritz Hauck and Ray Filley hold award in front of BOCES sign

Congratulations to the Health, Safety & Transportation Departmentat Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES. Their work has been recognized by the Utica National Insurance Group as a recipient of the School Safety Award for 2022 at the Platinum level. 

The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. BOCES received its award at Utica National’s 40th School Safety Seminar. Department Director Frederick “Fritz” Hauck accepted the award on behalf of BOCES.

“Sometime the phrase ‘team effort’ is over used but in this case it is in its truest form – not just the Health and Safety Department gets this award, but everyone in BOCES who follow safe practices deserve credit for this.” says Mr. Hauck.

The Health, Safety, and Transportation Department provides a variety of services and trainings to forty-one school districts throughout Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, Herkimer, Oneida, and Franklin Counties. These services include safety/security, health protocols, transportation training, and drug/alcohol testing. 

Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award program has three levels-titanium, platinum and gold.  Schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Categories include bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other areas which are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys. 

“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” says Brian Saville, Vice President of Utica National’s Educational Institutions Unit. “Districts that go ‘above and beyond’ to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning to be applauded. We are pleased to count Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES among them.”