Safety Sleuths Prove Their Mettle

(Michael James - TT) Kerri Wirachowsky, grand champion inspector

MINNEAPOLIS — Kerri Wirachowsky of Ontario beat out 53 competitors for the title of grand champion in the North American Inspectors Championships.

Wirachowsky, a transportation enforcement officer for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, nearly swept the field in her first year of competition in the ninth annual inspectors’ championships, winning first place in the motor coach inspection, placing second in the Level 1 inspection and third in the hazardous materials and cargo tank inspection contests. She competed against contestants from 43 states, one U.S. territory, six Canadian provinces and Mexico.

“I had more fun than I expected and I learned a lot. I look forward to competing again next year,” Wirachowsky said in accepting the Jimmy K. Ammons Award as North America’s top roadside inspector on Aug. 25. The award is named in honor of the memory of the former Mississippi Public Service Commission training director who was instrumental in setting up the first inspectors’ challenge in 1993.

For the full story, see the Sept. 3 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.