Jason Petrie, Division Safety Manager, Clancy & Theys Construction Company
Years as an ASSP member: 2 Years
Years in the safety industry: 7 Years, 8 months
Key responsibilities of your job
My role provides leadership in promoting a proactive safety culture, driving the implementation of corporate safety strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include managing safety programs, incident investigations, and regulatory updates, as well as conducting jobsite inspections to improve safety performance. My role oversees safety training, mentoring, and development of field teams while maintaining safety records and tracking trends to inform corrective actions. Additionally, my position engages in industry initiatives to continuously advance organizational safety standards.
What do you like most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter
What I love most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter is the sense of community and support. It’s great to connect with other EHS professionals who share the same passion for safety and learning. The chapter provides so many opportunities to grow, whether it’s through networking, attending events, or just exchanging experiences with others who understand the challenges of the profession. I feel like I’m constantly learning and improving, and it’s empowering to know I’m part of a group that’s dedicated to helping each other succeed.
What or Who inspires you
Having spent many years in public safety with the fire service and law enforcement, I had the honor of working alongside some of the bravest individuals in highly challenging situations. What inspired me most was witnessing those around me push forward every day, not for recognition, but simply because it was the right thing to do. Transitioning into a safety professional role nearly eight years ago, I continue to draw inspiration from those who serve and uplift others. Their dedication fuels my passion for this profession, which, though demanding, is incredibly rewarding in helping others succeed and stay safe.
What tips or advice would you give someone just starting out in the safety field
For someone just starting out in the safety field, my biggest advice is to be proactive. Build a strong network by connecting with other safety professionals and attending industry events. Finding a mentor can be incredibly valuable—someone who’s been where you are and can offer guidance and perspective. Commit to continuous learning by attending regular training to stay current with the latest regulations and best practices.
Also, focus on developing leadership and problem-solving skills. Safety professionals need to be able to lead by example and think critically to address complex challenges. Lastly, remember that safety is about people. Help those you serve find their “why”—what motivates them to stay safe and work smart every day. When people understand their own reasons for safety, they’re more likely to commit to it.
Tell us about a professional success story that you are proud of
One of my proudest professional moments revolves around a little saying I came up with: “Never stop making safe, safer!” It started as a simple catchphrase I’d throw into conversations or slap onto my email signature—just a quick reminder that safety is always a work in progress. Well, it caught on more than I expected.
Fast forward to one of our projects where our Assistant Superintendent created a group chat with our trade partners to stay on top of safety hazards. They organized it themselves to keep communication flowing and tackle issues in real-time, which was already impressive. But the best part? I later found out they named the group “Never stop making safe, safer.” I couldn’t stop laughing when I discovered it—my cheesy little motto had become the official team slogan! It was a great reminder that safety can be fun, too, and it felt amazing to see how committed everyone was to the cause, all while embracing the spirit of continual improvement.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you
Something surprising that not many people know about me is that I’m part of an elite group of firefighters who’ve answered the classic call—yes, I’ve climbed the ladder and rescued a cat from a tree! But trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. The cat was terrified, I was a bit nervous myself, and it was way higher up than I expected. To top it off, the cat wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of being rescued. Luckily for me, I couldn’t feel its claws since they were firmly embedded in my bunker gear and gloves! It was definitely an adventure, and I’m happy to say we both made it down safely.
How would your best friend describe you in three words
My best friend would probably describe me as loyal, adventurous, and dependable. Loyalty is something I value deeply, and my friends know they can count on me through thick and thin. I also love seeking out new experiences, whether that’s exploring the great outdoors or diving into new challenges in my professional life. And being dependable means I’m always there to lend a hand or offer support when it’s needed most.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work
Outside of work, I absolutely love being outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hiking, or simply exploring nature, I find great joy in soaking up the beauty around me. One of my favorite activities is rockhounding and metal detecting with my sons; there’s something thrilling about uncovering hidden treasures together.
What is your most embarrassing moment of your life (so far)
My most embarrassing moment happened while I was working as a police officer for the city of Chesapeake. One day, I was on patrol with a fellow officer, checking vacant houses for any signs of criminal activity. We found a vacant house with the rear door ajar, so we decided to investigate. After clearing the house, we got back into our patrol car and drove off.
Just half a block away, I realized I was covered in fleas! Apparently, the house we had entered had a serious flea infestation. We both jumped out of the car right in the middle of the road, frantically brushing off fleas and dancing around like a couple of crazy people. Meanwhile, residents were outside watching us, completely bewildered by the scene. I’m pretty sure we lost a bit of the community’s confidence that day!
List a favorite line from one of your favorite movies:
“Bueller … Bueller … Bueller.” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why
If I could pick a superpower, it would definitely be precognition—the ability to foresee future events, particularly in the realm of construction safety. This power would allow me to anticipate potential hazards before they occur, enabling me to proactively address issues and ensure a safer work environment.
Imagine being able to predict when a worker is about to make a safety mistake, like walking under a suspended load, and intervening just in time to prevent an accident. I could also foresee moments when safety protocols might be overlooked, ensuring that every team member remains vigilant and adheres to best practices on the job site.
On a personal note, having this ability would also extend to my wife and kids. For my kids, I could foresee situations where they might take risks while exploring outdoors or trying new activities, allowing me to guide them in making safe choices. Whether it’s reminding them to wear a helmet while biking or teaching them about safety while camping, I’d love to instill a sense of caution and awareness in them from a young age.
Ultimately, precognition would empower me to create a safer work environment and help my family develop a proactive approach to safety in their everyday lives. This way, we can all work together to foster a culture of safety, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed safety standards—Making Safe, Safer!
What did you want to be growing up
Growing up, I resonated deeply with the quote from Lloyd Dobler: “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed.” This sentiment perfectly captured my desire to pursue a meaningful career.
Instead of following a traditional path, I knew I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, dedicating my life to service and improving the community and beyond. Whether it was through public safety, helping others, or creating safer environments, I always aspired to make a positive impact. It was never about the transactions; it was about the transformation and the difference I could make in people’s lives.