Fulton County Transit Authority
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Two tie for prestigious award
Deputy Director Kristin Grooms, Lead Driver Supervisor Frank Glisson, and Director Kevin Kelley pose for a photo following Glisson's award presentation.
Glisson honored by
state organization
Employees of FCTA have always considered Frank Glisson an excellent supervisor. Now a Kentucky organization does, too.
During the Kentucky Public Transit Association Conference in Lexington recently, Glisson was named Supervisory Staff of the Year for service provided in the field of Transportation.
Glisson was nominated for the state award by FCTA Executive Director Kevin Kelley.
The nomination focused on the many attributes Glisson has that makes him exceptionally good at his job.
As the Head Driver Supervisor FCTA, Glisson has excelled at every level of service. He is dedicated, conscientious and dependable in performing all his duties. Glisson’s understanding of the importance of customer service makes him a valuable asset for FCTA. He is willing to do whatever it takes within his power to meet customer needs.
Glisson’s focus on safe operations elevates FCTA’s service level. His certifications as Safety & Security Officer and PASS Train the Trainer provide the background to prepare employees to address all passenger needs. He spends at least three hours with new employees reviewing procedures for handling various mobility devices before their “in vehicle” training starts. He also conducts sessions periodically to remind employees of proper procedures. This process also includes procedures to protect employees when transporting clients.
Glisson’s ability to converse with and instruct employees is a significant asset to FCTA. The drivers respect and listen to him, which is particularly important when training or reminding drivers of procedures.
“He is always ready and willing to jump in and help cover anything needed,” said Call Taker Christy Snow, when asked about Glisson’s work ethic. “He is always ready and willing to jump in and help cover anything needed. He always has the client’s best interest at heart, and he is dedicated to his job.”
Following the December 10, 2021, tornado that devastated the Mayfield area, Glisson jumped in to help make sure Transit services were restored as soon as possible. Partnering with other KPTA agencies, FCTA was back up and running within a few days. During this period, Glisson managed Mayfield operations and assisted employees in operating in a very difficult environment. Locating clients and getting them to needed services in a safe manner was a challenge due to damaged infrastructure across the area. Glisson’s demeanor was calming and reassuring to clients during this period and his approach was instrumental in restoring services.
Glisson started out at FCTA as a Transit Driver. After a year in that post, he was promoted to Driver Supervisor.
“The Driver Supervisor oversees drivers, trying to help make sure clients are safely transported, and the wheels keep turning,” Glisson explained. “I’m the go-to person for the drivers.”
Glisson hasn’t completely stopped transporting clients himself. He fills in from time to time when several drivers are off work or when the ridership numbers increase to a point where help is needed to get them transported.
“I learn a lot when I do get to drive,” Glisson admitted. “I get to interact with clients who tell me about the other drivers. One older guy told me he’s been riding Transits for years and we have the best drivers.”
When asked about a typical day in his job, Glisson chuckled and said, “There is not a typical day. I’ve learned to be flexible. It isn’t your traditional job. You learn to expect the unexpected.”
Glisson also admits he truly enjoys his job.
When asked about memories of working for FCTA, one immediately popped into Glisson’s mind.
“I transported one person to Paducah,” Glisson recalled. “For some reason it was a lengthy ride back from Paducah, going through the county. He seemed to enjoy the ride and told me when we got back that he saw parts of Graves County he had never seen before. This was on a Friday, and he died that next Tuesday. I truly felt like I made a positive contribution to his last days.”
The supervisor believes a good Transit Driver needs to have many qualities, but two things are at the forefront of it all.
“A good driver needs to be careful and cautious of client safety,” Glisson explained. “And they need to have a good public service attitude. Clients trust whoever is driving and it doesn’t take them long to realize the ones who take pride in their job.”
Working on own vehicles leads Phillips into career
Michael Phillips considered farming as a career.
“But after looking into the financials, I decided it just wasn’t worth it,” he said.
Since Phillips had grown up working on his own vehicles, he opted to become a mechanic. His training came from West Kentucky Community and Technical College and Ford Motor Company.
Phillips worked at Purchase Ford in Mayfield for seven years and the Graves County School District Bus Garage for two years before becoming the mechanic at FCTA on June 30.
“I like it here,” Phillips said. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. Some days we are very busy and some days we aren’t.”
FCTA’s maintenance department is known for keeping vehicles on the road for 300,000 to 400,000 or more. Phillips said oil changes and other maintenance jobs are commonplace in the shop.
“The (wheelchair) lift has become one of the most common repair issues,” Phillips said. “It seems to be the most problematic.”
When asked if there had been any repair issue over the first few weeks he had been here, Phillips admitted he hasn’t been stumped yet.
“Most of the buses are Fords, so it’s nothing I haven’t seen yet,” Phillips added.
Phillips, who lived in and around Graves County growing up, said he quit school in the ninth grade. He enrolled in Gateway Academy to complete his education and became the first student to finish all courses to graduate.
Prior to starting at FCTA, Phillips and his wife, Abbie, were married. They enjoy camping and riding his Harley motorcycle.
One unique thing about Phillips is he is 31 years old and has 21-year-old sons.
“I did foster care for two years,” Phillips explained. “They fit in my family and asked me to adopt them. One of my sons is autistic and he will be with me until I die.”
FCTA Mechanic Michael Phillips checks out a part from one of the agency's buses.
AWARD WINNER: Each year in December, FCTA employees are given a blank ballot and asked to write down which of their peers should be named FCTA Employee of the Year. This year's recipient, dressed as his favorite Christmas character, is Driver/Driver Trainer Gary Miller. Presenting him with a certificate signifying his win and a $50 gift card, are FCTA Deputy Director Kristin Grooms and FCTA Executive Director Kevin Kelley.
