Damage Prevention Hero: Raymond Sonnier

#EatSleepDamagePreventionRepeat

RAYMOND SONNIER HAS SPENT THE PAST SEVEN-PLUS YEARS AS A DAMAGE PREVENTION SPECIALIST/COORDINATOR FOR ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA. PRIOR TO THAT, HE WORKED FOR THE UNITED STATES INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP, AND BEFORE THAT HE SPENT 10 YEARS AS A SUPERVISOR WITH UTILIQUEST, LLC.

Raymond is a veteran of the industry with experience in public relations, customer service, leadership, project planning and project management. It was no surprise when Louisiana 811 One Call honored him as their “Locator of the Year” in 2019!

Brent Saltzman, Executive Director with Louisiana 811, refers to Raymond as extremely passionate about damage prevention. “He works daily to promote safe digging practices and contacting 811 in advance of any excavation or demolition activity,” Saltzman said. “He frequently stops to visit excavators in his territory. He applauds the efforts of those who are digging safely and legally, and strongly encourages those who aren’t to abide by the State’s Dig Law.”

According to David Raymond, Operations Manager with Atmos Energy, Raymond is curious, knowledgeable, connected and a promoter. “Raymond makes damage prevention presentations to excavators across the country, and he educates locators, excavators and the general public on 811 and safe digging,” he said. “Raymond has made over 2,400 documented Atmos Energy Damage Prevention Ambassador stops since 2019, educating excavators on their job sites across Louisiana.”

"Ray is actively involved in local, state and national damage prevention initiatives. If there is an event going on related to damage prevention, you can bet Raymond will be there participating in some facet."

Another industry veteran who thinks Louisiana is a better and safer place because of Raymond Sonnier is Cole Vanderlick, Manager – Damage Prevention with Louisiana 811. “Raymond is one of the pioneers in helping create a locator training course with a college/trade school. He is a proactive member of local Utility Coordinating Councils and a leader in creating positive momentum and bringing people together,” Vanderlick said. “He is responsible for rejuvenating stagnant Utility Coordinating Councils and has also helped start new ones in needed areas.”

“Ray is actively involved in local, state and national damage prevention initiatives. If there is an event going on related to damage prevention, you can bet Raymond will be there participating in some facet,” added Saltzman. According to David Raymond, he also finds time to work with local community colleges in Louisiana to develop line locating and damage prevention curriculum. And he volunteers large blocks of his “free” time to Acadian Baptist Center and to non-profit organizations.

“I sincerely appreciate Raymond’s passion for his job. He always seems to have a smile on his face and is genuinely driven to educate excavators and the general public about 811’s core values,” Brent Saltzman said.

“I am truly blessed to be a part of Raymond’s damage prevention team and witness his neverending passion as he spreads the damage prevention message to everyone he comes in contact with,” added David Raymond.

All of us in the industry are grateful for Raymond Sonnier’s time, energy, passion and dedication… qualities that truly make him a Damage Prevention Hero!