LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A Luke safety specialist was named the 2007 Safety Hero of the Year June 26 in Orlando, Fla. 

Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety specialist, was awarded the Saxcies™ safety award, presented by members of the American Society of Safety Engineers. 

"I was honored to be in the company of finalists for the award this year," said Mr. Bruce. "I don't consider myself 'the winner.' If you stop and think about it, each finalist is already a winner. They were already considered safety heroes to the people that nominated them. They have done -- and I hope will continue to do -- great things in the afety community." 

According to Saxcies™, the safety hero of the year award is given to an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary personal commitment to safety both inside and outside the workplace. 

Mr. Bruce, also known as the safety dude, led the base through a series of safety program successes and fixed his sights on combating the number one killer of active-duty military personnel--motor vehicle accidents. 

The programs Mr. Bruce initiated include Operation Focus, a safe driver program for personnel age 26 and younger and Red Means Stop, a city-wide program developed in partnership with the city of Phoenix. He was also heavily involved in an intersection wareness blitz, reduction of driving while intoxicated incidents and motorcycle training. 

As a result of these programs, Luke's fleet of 855 vehicles experienced zero reportable government motor vehicle accidents or vehicle damage, seatbelt usage increased to 97 percent, more than 1,800 of the 3,500 Airmen age 26 or less were briefed safe driver program and intersection awareness blitz reduced 25 percent of intersection accidents compared to 2006. 

Mr. Bruce's enthusiasm for safety extends to the local community. As a professional magician, he combines magic and safety to create entertaining and effective presentations for school children. He helped create safety surveys for the city's high school seniors and he worked with local police to design and implement programs to address teenage driving issues. 

"Safety is a top priority of the 56th FW and Mr. Bruce leads the charge at every level to ensure the wing's mission is accomplished safely everyday," said Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th FW commander. "His outstanding performance is a testament to the dedication and commitment of ensuring the protection of our most critical asset--our Airmen."