36 Team TARTA Members Honored For Safety

Through training and the skill and dedication of its Operators and Mechanics, TARTA has always put safety as its first priority. Transit Employee Appreciation Day (March 18) was a perfect time to recognize Team TARTA members who have demonstrated their zeal for public service through excellent safety records.

TARTA honored 36 employees with safety milestones, including Rookie of the Year Terrence Sisson and Safe On Time Performance Leaders Lee Herbert, Carol Moreno and Jeffery Medlen. Operators Justin Jackson, Marvin Smith and Steve Villagomez were recognized for providing over 5,000 rides in 2025. Mechanic Matthan Martin received an award for maintaining a clean safety record for 20 years, and Operators Lillian Powell, Tracy Thomas and Lewis Vassel have kept clean safety sheets for 25 years each.

TARTA is incredibly proud of its safety record, and it keeps getting better thanks to the efforts of Wednesday's honorees and all of Team TARTA. 

A complete list of Safety Award honorees: 

Special Awards

Rookie of the Year: Terrence Sisson

• No attendance points, complaints, corrective actions or safety issues 
• Most service hours for 2025 
• Multiple route saves

Over 5,000 Rides in 2025

• Justin Jackson
• Marvin Smith
• Steve Villagomez

All have strong safety records and no corrective actions, including attendance

Safe On Time Performance Leaders

• Lee Herbert, 98% on time
• Carol Moreno, 97% on time
• Jeffery Medlen, 96% on time

All have strong safety records and no corrective actions, including attendance

Maintenance

• Laila Bofia, 3 years
• Horace Bovell, 1 year
• Marcus Cull, 3 years
• Austin Ferrell, 1 year
• Matthan Martin, 20 years
• Tammy Parish, 1 year
• Joshua Rosenberger, 10 years
• Chris Urban, 1 year

TARTA Move

• Susan Hertle, 3 years
• Joseph Hughes, 10 years
• John Lehnert, 10 years
• Daniel Speiker, Sr., 3 years
• Scott Streight, 1 year

Fixed Route

• Sharnisha Adams, 1 year
• Andrea Berry, 1 year
• Antonia Burnett, 5 years
• Danielle Butler, 1 year
• Michael Camara, 3 years
• Samantha Davidson, 1 year
• Frank Harris, 1 year
• Lamar Harris, 1 year
• Ronald Hetherington, 1 year
• Brianna Huffman, 3 years
• Davida James, 1 year
• Janet McMickens, 5 years
• Annette Plotner, 5 years
• Shirreatha Porter, 1 year
• Lillian Powell, 25 years
• Terrance Sisson, 1 year
• Charles Stawowy, 1 year
• Hollie Stein, 10 years
• Tracy Thomas, 25 years
• Terrance Thompson, 1 year
• Lewis Vassel, 25 years
• Krishawnda Wheeler, 1 year