Meet Bud Bennett. A site safety and health officer with Brice Builders, Bud joined the team just days before arriving at a remote project site in western Alaska. Within his first week, he faced a situation that would test every part of his training — and ultimately save a life.
Bud’s role is simple to describe but critical to execute: keep people safe. He manages daily safety requirements, leads training, and makes sure crews are prepared for anything. In remote Alaska, that responsibility carries more weight —crews operate hours from medical care and must rely on their own training and each other when something goes wrong.
A Critical Moment
Shortly after arriving the job site in Tin City, Alaska, a crew member began experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. With limited medical equipment available, Bud relied on what he always carries with him on the job — a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and a portable EKG device.
The readings confirmed his concern. Bud coordinated with local health aides and arranged for an emergency evacuation. The employee was flown to Anchorage, where he received the emergency care he needed.
Training Meets Reality
Bud’s response wasn’t luck. It was the result of decades of preparation. His background spans military service, hazardous materials response, firefighting, and emergency medical care. That experience shaped how he approaches safety — not as a checklist, but as a mindset.
On remote job sites, Bud pushes crews to go beyond basic compliance. He leads hands-on training in CPR, firefighting, and emergency response. He repeats the same message often: preparation is not optional.
“When you’re working this far from help, preparation and training make all the difference,” he said.
That clarity resonates. Crews engage more deeply in training. They practice real scenarios. And when situations arise, they respond.
The ripple effects of that day extend beyond a single emergency. Bud continues to build a culture where safety is active, not passive. Crews don’t just hold certifications — they practice the skills. They understand the stakes. And they look out for each other.
That mindset has already made a difference. In one case, a worker Bud trained responded to a fire on another job site and helped contain it before it spread — a direct result of hands-on training.
Recognizing Action
Earlier this year, Bud received the Governor’s Special Achievement Award for his life-saving actions. The award honors exceptional contributions to health, safety, and environmental protection across Alaska — recognizing individuals who step up when it matters most.
For Bud, the recognition reflects more than a single moment. It speaks to the level of preparation, judgment, and responsibility required to keep crews safe in remote environments where there is little margin for error.
His focus, however, hasn’t changed. Every day on site, he brings the same approach: stay prepared, act quickly, and look out for the people around you.
In environments like these, that level of consistency is what keeps crews safe and projects moving forward.
Delivering When It Matters Most
At Calista Brice companies, safety is not just a requirement — it’s a responsibility we carry for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve.
Bud’s story is a clear example of what that looks like in action.
In environments where help is hours away, preparation, experience, and decisive action make all the difference.
Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.
