MOUNT VERNON – In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, New Hope Industries celebrates all individuals with disabilities who are employed and the businesses that employ them.
David Chopson and Darian Decamp are two employees who have had long-term success.
Chopson has been employed by the Knox County Garage for the past 31 years; he will retire later this month. A fixture at the facility on Columbus Road, Chopson has had great attendance through the years and can be counted on to get the job done.
He is known for his humor, friendly demeanor, and willingness to do whatever is needed. Chopson is a prime example of commitment, hard work, and perseverance.
“Dave Chopson (aka Chopper) started with the Knox County Highway Department in October 1992 at the age of 38,” Knox County Engineer Cameron Keaton said. “Dave has been a vital part of our organization ever since. His work ethic and loyalty have proven unmatched over the years, making him one of the most honored and respected employees in our history.
“Now at the age of 69, and after a notable 31 years of service, Dave will be retiring. It will be extremely difficult finding someone to fill his shoes. We wish Dave all the best as he begins a new chapter in his life and retirement. Chopper is truly one of a kind and always has a story to share. We hope he stops by to visit often.”
Darian Decamp
Decamp has been employed by Knox Community Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department for the past seven years. Committed to excellence in carrying out her job duties, she pushes herself to exceed the standards of her job duties.
Decamp demonstrates many qualities of an exemplary employee. Those qualities include dedication, an excellent work ethic, and ownership of her work. She has a passion to do her best and excel in her position. She is a role model for her peers and colleagues alike.
“Darian Decamp has worked here in the Knox Community Hospital kitchen since 2016. She is one of our longest-serving employees in the porter position and is a great asset to our team,” Parker Reynolds III, director of Food and Nutrition for KCH, said. “When we see her name on the schedule, we can relax because we know that she will be here on time and ready to work! She very rarely misses work and is always in a good mood. Her laugh and big smile really light up our kitchen when she is here.
“Over the course of the last seven years, she has been a dependable, hardworking ray of light in our department. We don’t know what we would do without her!”
FT Precision
New Hope Industries values all community employers who go above and beyond to provide employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Employers provide needed accommodations and communicate openly with the individuals, job coaches, and support staff to ensure the safety, well-being, and overall success of the individual.
One such employer is FT Precision in Fredericktown.
FT Precision provides integrated process line production of steel and aluminum parts, including aluminum die-casting, in-house heat treat labs, and all machining and assembly. The company has eagerly collaborated with New Hope Industries for many years in employing individuals with disabilities. Over the past year, it partnered with New Hope for an internship program as well as a summer career exploration program for transitional youth.
“We are very grateful to FT Precision for their dedication to individuals with disabilities and willingness to partner with New Hope Industries for programming,” said Angela Sichel, community employment services manager at New Hope Industries. “This exposes individuals to jobs in the manufacturing field that are available to them.”