Calvin Milling, a safety representative for UNLV’s office of risk management and safety, said the university reminds him of an Air Force base or small town.
Why are you at UNLV?
I applied for a safety position back in December 2014 and was hired in February 2015. This will allow me to further my career as a safety professional.
What are your title and job duties here?
I am a safety representative and consultant for the risk management and safety department. My duties and responsibilities are to investigate safety concerns, perform building inspections, and review OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. I also make updates to the UNLV safety policies and evaluate and review safety programs.
What could people on campus do to make your job easier?
Everyone to be safe! While on campus there are some unsafe things I see on a daily basis. Electrical safety conditions are the most common. While I am out on campus doing inspections, I notice a lot of appliances being plugged into multi-outlet power strips. Refrigerators, toaster ovens, microwaves, and coffee pots pull a lot of power and the power strip can become overloaded. When this happens, the power strip will overheat and cause a fire.
Where did you work previously?
I retired from the Air Force and was stationed at Nellis AFB for 13 years. At the time of my retirement I was the Air Warfare Center's explosive safety manager.
What drew you to your line of work?
While in the Air Force I was allowed to expand my career in safety. It was my calling. I love my line of work, helping others to be safe and for them to be able to go home to their families each night.
Finish this sentence. "If I weren't able to work in my current field, I would…
rather be a pro bass angler and travel the country. My favorite place to fish for bass is at the Flint River in my home town of Albany, Georgia. It was close to home and there were all kinds of places to fish for bass. There were several secret spots that I had and would frequent. I always caught something. There are many places to bass fish around the country, but if I had a choice to fish a certain place (I have never been), it would be Toledo Bend Reservoir (on the Sabine River between Louisiana and Texas) because it is a very well known and can produce very large bass. It is even said that most of the population of the fish will never see a fishing lure.
One tip for success.
Never give up. Stay the course because you will be successful. You are in control.
What about UNLV surprised you when you arrived?
It kind of reminds me of a small town or Air Force base because it has its own identity.
What has been the proudest moment of your life?
Making a career in the Air Force and serving my country for 22 years.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I can be a prankster but in good fun.
What are your hobbies?
I love fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, football, and riding my Polaris Razor.
Who is your hero and why?
Retired Maj. Gen. L.D Johnson. While (I was) stationed at Moody AFB in 1998, Col. Johnson was my wing commander. We were deployed to the Middle East and he was the only wing commander at the time who wanted to deploy with his troops. He spoke in front of those that were deploying and told us he was going with us. He took the time to be with his troops and was a real leader.
