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News Release

Bob Swinson Receives 2009 Governor's Transportation Safety Award

Richmond, VA — At the Board of Game and Inland Meeting today, long-time Boating Education volunteer Robert N. "Bob" Swinson was honored for his contribution to improving safety for Virginians. The Board recognized him for recently being named the recipient of the 2009 Governor's Transportation Safety Award in the Water Safety category, specifically for his contributions made in improving safety for swimmers, boater, and anglers. That presentation was made at the 2009 Judicial Transportation Safety Conference in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

The Governor's Transportation Safety Awards program recognizes individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to transportation safety in Virginia. Accomplishments by individuals in the public and private sector, state and local governments, federal agencies, the military, businesses, and organizations that promote transportation safety are recognized by this awards program. This program is sponsored by the Virginia Board of Transportation Safety, which is comprised of citizens appointed by the Governor of Virginia.

Bob Swinson has been a respected and valued member of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Boating Education program for almost 9 years. For almost 60 years, Bob has been a dedicated public servant in state government. "Quite an accomplishment by any standard," commented Lee Walker when he made the presentation to the Board. Walker oversees the Department's public information and education programs, including Boating Education.

In March 1951, Bob Swinson began his state service as a trooper with the Virginia State Police. From there, he became a special agent with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. During his 42 years at Virginia ABC, he served as district auditor and administrative law judge before completing his career there as agency administrator and secretary to the board.

Just prior to joining the Department, Bob served as committee clerk for the House Appropriations Committee in the Virginia General Assembly for seven sessions.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is pleased and proud that Bob Swinson is the recipient of the 2009 Governor's Transportation Water Safety Award.