After 34 years, mechanic Dave Bankson is one of the best at his job at King County Metro.
He works hard to stay current on changing technology, has become a go-to resource on new diesel-hybrid fleets, and readily shares his expertise.
Bankson recently was honored as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for 2018. He accepted the award in front of a room full of coworkers, many who praised his work ethic and the way he mentors others to be successful.
“I don’t have just one story to show what a great guy he is, but I have the experience of being around him and the experience of working beside him,” said Chris Parrott, Metro’s managing director of Vehicle Maintenance. “Dave works hard and he works hard until the job is complete.”
Parrott, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Metro’s General Manager Rob Gannon applauded Bankson during a ceremony at Metro’s Atlantic Base. Bankson was joined by his wife, Sally, and his daughters — Betsy, who serves as a firefighter for the City of Lynnwood; Katie, who is a pilot with Alaska Airlines; and Crystal, who is a Zale’s store manager. His two grandsons, Jake, a U.S. Marine, and two-month-old Alex, were in attendance as well.
“Mechanics like Dave Bankson are why Metro Transit riders know that they can get where they need to go,” Executive Constantine said. “Dave is the exactly the kind of employee we love to have at King County – dedicated, beloved by his fellow employees, and with an interest in continuously improving the work we do here at King County.”
Bankson began his Metro career in 1984 at the age of 29. He’s worked most of that time at Atlantic Base in Sodo, which is home to Metro’s electric trolley fleet (the downtown purple buses), but also served stints at the Component Supply Center in Tukwila and at East Base in Bellevue.
He is part of the crew on the big tow trucks that rescue disabled buses or head out during sudden snowstorms to chain up buses already on the road.
“Whether operating the wrecker, filling in as lead, or repairing coaches, you can count on Dave to make sure the job is done safely,” Atlantic Base Superintendent Michael Thornton said. “Dave is truly devoted to the public service we provide.”
Bankson and his wife live near Snoqualmie Pass and when Bankson is not working on buses, he enjoys skiing and sailing. He is a member of the ski patrol on Crystal Mountain.
Metro customers will see Bankson’s photo on a commemorative placard inside buses for the following year.
On behalf of Metro’s customers and employees, we congratulate and thank Dave Bankson for his commitment to providing safe and reliable service!