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June 18, 2009 | Bodi retires after 32-plus years at New Madrid Power PlantContact : Nancy Southworth 417.885.9246 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Richard Bodi of Parma, formerly of New Madrid, retired in June after more than 32 years at Associated Electric Cooperative’s New Madrid Power Plant. He started working at the power plant in its second year of operation, December 1973, as a temporary laborer in the coal yard. He became the first person to progress through all the coal yard positions. In 1987, Bodi began supervising the heavy equipment mechanics and contract laborers responsible for maintaining 57 pieces of mobile equipment in the plant, including dozers, forklifts, scrapers, loaders, road graders, back hoes and cranes. Most of this equipment is in the coal yard. Through the years, Bodi applied his creative ingenuity to improve performance and save money at the plant. For example, he was instrumental in improving the way hammermills crush coal, extending the life of the hammers and saving the plant $1 million every 18 months. The process has been adapted by the equipment manufacturer. In 1998, Bodi and his team received the cooperative’s prestigious Excel Award for Innovative Action Team for this work. On another project, Bodi was recognized for introducing a simple solution to calcium buildup on pumps. The pumps went from weekly cleanings to annual cleanings. There have been other awards as well. As fire chief since 1995, Bodi was nearly always a first responder to the plant’s infrequent emergencies, using his extensive training in fire fighting and first aid that Associated provides to its employees to ensure safe and trained responses to emergencies. Bodi has received two Excel Awards for Commendation for Courageous Response for quickly responding to a fire and to a medical emergency in the coal yard. Bodi praised Associated for its emphasis on safety and credited its STOP program for New Madrid’s excellent safety record. The power plant set a record last year for working safely, and its injury rate is well below the industry average. “It becomes second nature,” Bodi said, “Before you do something, stop, look and think. It teaches you to look at what might happen if…” In retirement, Bodi plans to travel, garden, rebuild engines and enjoy his 11 grandchildren. Associated Electric Cooperative (Associated) is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional and 51 local electric cooperative systems in Missouri, southeast Iowa and northeast Oklahoma that serve more than 850,000 customers. Associated’s mission is to provide an economical and reliable power supply and support services to its members. Associated is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Released: 18 June 2009 |
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