Every day, in communities across the East Coast and in the Midwest U.S., Flagger Force team members step into active traffic environments to help protect workers, drivers, and the public. In these work zones, motorists see highly visible professionals managing traffic safely and efficiently. What they may not always think about are the individual people in those roles: the mothers, fathers, veterans, neighbors, and friends in their communities committed to helping others get home safely every day.
Most drivers notice the cones, signs, and flashing lights first. What they may not immediately recognize are the people behind them. Every work zone contains individuals with families waiting for them at home, communities counting on them, and an important responsibility to help protect workers and motorists alike.
Traffic control professionals perform a critical safety function in active work zones, operating in fast-moving, constantly changing situations where communication, awareness, and sound judgment matter every moment of the day. Their work helps create safer environments for clients’ crews making vital roadway and infrastructure improvements and for drivers on the roads.
At Flagger Force, a core message of our People Aren’t ConesSM campaign is simple but significant: the professionals working in and around work zones are human beings with families, futures, and people counting on them.
Behind every work zone is a team of trained professionals bringing focus, responsibility, and care to the job. Every day, Flagger Force team members support utility, telecommunications, roadway, and infrastructure projects across the eastern United States. While every work zone is different, the people who keep them moving share a common purpose: helping others get home safely. The stories below highlight just a few of the professionals who bring that mission to life.
The People Responsible for Keeping Communities Moving
Alyssa McAfee | Field Trainer I | Western Pennsylvania
For Alyssa McAfee, a Field Trainer I based in Western Pennsylvania, Flagger Force became an opportunity to challenge herself, grow professionally, and help others succeed. After joining the company in 2021 as a Crew Member, Alyssa quickly discovered that the teamwork and support around her were just as important as the technical side of the job.
“There’s so much to learn, but I had great people around me who wanted to see me do well,” she shared in a recent employee spotlight article all about her Flagger Force story of doing work that truly makes a difference.
Since then, Alyssa has advanced into leadership roles, worked in multiple service areas, and earned recognition for her reliability and leadership in the field. “I always tell my crew, if you’re not sure about something, ask,” she said. “We’re all here to keep each other safe and make sure the job gets done right.”
Her story reflects a broader theme across Flagger Force: creating opportunities for people who are dependable, motivated, and willing to learn. “This work requires people who understand the responsibility that comes with it,” Mike Doner, President and CEO of Flagger Force, explained. “Traffic control is not work you can go through the motions with. Conditions change constantly. Traffic patterns shift, work progresses, weather changes, and motorists make unpredictable decisions. Our crews need to stay aware, communicate effectively, exercise sound judgment, and remain calm under pressure.”
Growth Through Opportunity
Jason Goss | Area Supervisor | Central Pennsylvania
For many Flagger Force employees, the work also creates opportunities for long-term professional development. “We’ve built career paths and support systems because we believe investing in people strengthens our culture, improves the quality of our service, and helps us deliver safer outcomes for our clients and communities,” said Mike.
That investment in people is reflected in the experiences of employees like Jason Goss, an Area Supervisor for Central Pennsylvania.
Jason joined Flagger Force about 12 years ago after leaving a career in cabinet manufacturing and quickly embraced the challenges and opportunities of traffic control work. “As soon as I got into a Flagger Force truck, I took every job I could,” he shared in his employee spotlight. “I wanted to learn everything from arrow panel setups to more advanced highway jobs.”
Today, Jason is known for mentoring newer employees, supporting clients, and building strong relationships throughout his region. “I’ve always believed in showing up, doing what you say you’re going to do, and being someone people can count on,” he explained.
Jason’s experience reflects how Flagger Force develops talent from within. Many leaders began their careers in the field and advanced through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. His journey demonstrates the opportunities available to employees who are willing to learn, grow, and take on new challenges.
The professionalism demonstrated by employees like Alyssa, Jason, and thousands of other Flagger Force team members is often recognized directly by clients. Across industries and markets, clients consistently point to preparedness, communication, accountability, and a commitment to safety as qualities that distinguish Flagger Force crews.
What Professionalism Looks Like: Earning Trust in the Field
According to Mike, Flagger Force team members understand the importance of their role from the moment they arrive on-site. “Our team members respect the work, the risks, and the people around them because every work zone involves real people. Protecting them requires everyone to do their job the right way,” he noted.
That commitment is consistently recognized by clients, as evidenced by the positive feedback they share with our team through testimonials and KUDOS.
Gregory Electric shared:
“The Flagger Force crew brought professionalism to a fast-paced job. They had my back throughout the day, acted quickly when it counted, and ensured I was safe and supported. That kind of dedication sets Flagger Force apart and makes a real difference in the field.”
Clients also highlight the consistency and preparedness Flagger Force crews bring to active work zones.
Chase Environmental shared:
“The Flagger Force crew arrived on time, acted professionally, and showed strong knowledge of the job site.”
AEP Delaware shared:
“The Flagger Force crews are doing great work with well-kept equipment and consistent performance on our job sites. Our supervisors are pleased and appreciate that they are ready to get to work when they arrive.”
These moments may happen quietly in the background of everyday projects, but they have a direct impact on the people working in and around the zone. When someone encounters a Flagger Force work zone, Mike emphasized that they should be able to count on seeing professionals focused on protecting both workers and the traveling public, explaining, “Our crews are highly visible, highly trained, and committed to creating an organized, controlled environment where work can happen as safely and efficiently as possible. We want drivers, workers, and community members to feel confident that the people managing traffic are paying attention, communicating clearly, and helping create a safe environment for everyone involved.”
That professionalism is reinforced through training, mentorship, teamwork, and a culture that emphasizes accountability at every level of the organization.
More Than a Work Zone: Protecting People, Supporting Communities
Dawn Hopkins | Area Supervisor | Maryland
For Dawn Hopkins, an Area Supervisor in Maryland, traffic control work is deeply connected to helping others succeed and creating safer environments for crews, clients, and the traveling public. Now approaching her 12th year with Flagger Force, Dawn began her career as a Crew Member before growing into a leadership role supporting multiple crews and clients throughout her region.
“If someone needs help, they call me, and it’s my job to find the answers,” Dawn shared in her employee spotlight.
Known for her willingness to coach and support others, Dawn approaches every site visit with what she describes as a Safety-Driven® and “fix-it” mindset. “Is it safe for our team members, clients, pedestrians, and motorists?” she said she always questions when describing how she evaluates work zones.
Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, accountability, and helping others grow. When offering advice to newer employees, she noted, “Don’t just promote for the (Flagger Force-branded) truck. Do it because you want to make a difference and make a change for the better.”
Dawn’s story also reflects an important reality: traffic control professionals are part of the communities they serve. They are parents, spouses, friends, neighbors, veterans, mentors, and teammates. They travel to job sites in communities across the region with one shared goal: helping ensure work can happen safely.
That is the human side of work zone safety at the heart of the People Aren’t ConesSM campaign. “At the end of the day, work zone safety is about people. The men and women working in these environments are helping protect workers, motorists, and communities every day,” said Mike. “We take that responsibility seriously because there are real people on both sides of every work zone.”
Echoing that sentiment, clients shared their perspectives and appreciation for the traffic control professionals who stand by their teams.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, expressed gratitude, saying:
“Thank you, Flagger Force, for the services provided in South Carolina. Their proactive approach kept us informed and safe.”
Ervin Cable Construction LLC shared:
“Their professionalism and strong knowledge of work zone safety made them an essential part of keeping this job running smoothly and safely.”
While many drivers encounter a work zone for only a few minutes during their commute, the people working within those zones bear the responsibility long before the first cone is placed and long after the final sign is removed. That responsibility is why visibility, awareness, communication, and attentiveness matter so much.
What motorists may not realize is that safe work zones depend on more than signs, cones, and equipment. They depend on trained professionals making decisions, communicating with one another, monitoring changing conditions, and responding to situations as they unfold. Human presence remains one of the most important safety elements in any active work zone.
“People Aren’t Cones is really about recognizing the human side of work zone safety,” Mike said. “That belief is built into our culture, our training, and the way our teams approach the job every day.”
At Flagger Force, the people behind the cones and signs are professionals committed to protecting others, supporting critical infrastructure work, and helping keep communities moving safely. The next time you encounter a work zone, look beyond the equipment and traffic control devices. Remember that the people working nearby are someone’s parent, spouse, child, friend, neighbor, or teammate. Slow down, stay alert, and help ensure they get home safely too.