Meet your 2025 Damage Prevention Ambassador Award winner!
“Keeping my team safe and making sure they go home safely every day.”
Sunshine 811 is proud to recognize Erick Velazquez, Water Distribution & Collections Infrastructure Manager for the City of Altamonte Springs, as the first-ever recipient of the Sunshine 811 Damage Prevention Ambassador Award.
Known for his steady leadership, commitment to safety and deep care for his team, Velazquez has set a new standard for what it means to champion Florida’s damage prevention community.
Velazquez began his safety career in 2004 with the City of Orlando before spending more than a decade in the medical field, working in psychiatric care and serving as an EMT. He returned to utilities three years ago — bringing with him a passion for protecting people and preventing harm.
Today, he oversees a team of 32 employees across water distribution and sewer collections, and he approaches every day with a simple priority: “Keeping my team safe and making sure they go home safely every day.”
His colleagues nominated him for his hands-on leadership and his unwavering commitment to the 811 process. An active member of his regional Damage Prevention Council, Velazquez regularly coordinates safety refresher trainings, partners closely with Sunshine 811 liaison Elliott Patterson, and even made Altamonte Springs a host site for Staking University’s line locating and GPR certification courses.
He is also passionate about the 811 message in his daily operations — calling in emergency locates when necessary and reminding everyone that safety starts long before a shovel hits the ground. His advocacy has led to better communication, more deliberate excavation practices and a team that approaches every job with greater awareness and confidence.
To better understand the passion behind his impact, we sat down with Velazquez for a conversation about his career, his team and the values that guide his work.
Q&A
What do you love most about your job? My team. I have about 32 people in my department and keeping them safe is number one for me. I want them to know that they have all the resources they need to stay safe, call in their locates properly and know the underground infrastructure.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? I love to see my team succeed. Recently, one of my guys on the collection side won an award for the 20 plus years of hard work he’s put in, and a lot of my team has received new certifications and licenses. This year, I also teamed up with Sunshine 811 liaison Elliot Patterson and Staking University to provide space for advanced GPR training, to help educate utility locators in our area. Recognition is great, but I’m always most proud when I can encourage someone and push them to grow in their skills and education.
What has helped move the needle on safe digging in your community? A couple years ago, our team was really struggling due to the increase in fiber installations nearby. We were having a lot of issues with damaged lines, and I realized something critical: we have to slow down. Today, we take the time and precisely follow the steps: ensuring we’re locating correctly, keeping accurate invoices for damages and holding the right people responsible for line breaks. Slowing down and holding each other accountable is essential.
What advice do you give your team? “Your safety is number one. Your job is to make sure you go back to your family every night.” If my team doesn’t feel comfortable, they know to step away and call me. Water looks like nothing, but a situation with a damaged line can become dangerous very quickly. We follow the steps; we prioritize training; and we put safety first.
How does Sunshine 811 support your work? Sunshine 811 is amazing, from the ticket process to the liaisons to continuing education. I know Elliott is only a phone call away, and he’s always ready to help my team. They are true advocates for education and awareness.
Velazquez’s dedication has not only shaped a safer workforce but also strengthened the culture of damage prevention across his city. Sunshine 811 is honored to celebrate his leadership — and to welcome him as the very first Damage Prevention Ambassador Award recipient.
Congratulations, Erick!