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Aggregate Industries hosts rescue dog certification

Aggregate Industries US (AIUS) and the Massachusetts Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team (MA-TF 1 US&R) hosted Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Canine Certification at the Aggregate Industries K-9 Testing Facility in Littleton, Mass., during which rescue dogs and their handlers underwent rigorous testing, including a search for volunteer human “survivors” under piles of rubble.

AIUS employees helped to construct the two initial rubble piles used in the certification. This year, AIUS employees also modified and built up the piles, says Robin DeCarlo, a spokeswoman for AIUS.

The materials used in the rubble piles are mostly donated concrete, steel, and pallets. The piles are constructed in such a way that “victims” are placed within them. In addition to the “victims,” the organizers place other items to distract the dogs, such as food and clothes. MA-TF 1, one of 28 Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces throughout the country, initially approached AIUS, a member of the Holcim Group, because of the aggregate company’s large quarry facilities in Massachusetts.

The rescue task force felt that AIUS might be better positioned than other private facilities in the area to construct and maintain the rubble piles that are needed in order for the search dog teams to regularly train and test, DeCarlo says. The piece of property used in the certification has now been dedicated as a training site, with trainers always onsite. The highly realistic course is crucial to prepare the teams for emergencies where recovery is often a matter of life and death.

“AIUS cares about the communities in which we operate and is proud to support this activity,” DeCarlo tells Aggregates Manager. “What takes place at the Littleton Quarry has an impact not only locally, but nationally and worldwide in times of disaster.”

Graniterock president/CEO dies in apparent boat accident

Graniterock President, CEO, and Chairman Bruce Woolpert was known in the aggregate industry for his enthusiasm for education, his innovative ideas, his focus on quality people and products, and his commitment to customer service.

On June 24, 2012, Woolpert died in an apparent boating accident. Woolpert is survived by his wife Rose Ann, his children, Marianne and Arthur, and his brother, Steve.

Bruce Woolpert

Mark Kaminski, a long-time member of Graniterock’s Board of Directors, is now chairman of the board and acting CEO, which is in accordance with the succession plan developed by the company.

In a corporate statement, the company notes: “The Woolpert family has complete confidence in the current management team and Graniterock team members and plans to continue operating the company for another 112 successful years.”

Therese Dunphy, editor-in-chief of Aggregates Manager, had the opportunity to interview Woolpert several times. She says he brought “innovative ideas to the aggregate industry, and Graniterock thrived as a result. His focus on quality products and people helped differentiate the company and transformed it into one of Fortune magazine’s best companies to work for.”