Safety in Action: Recognizing Gamechanger Devon Timmerman
March 31, 2026
Most people walk through a safety training and quietly hope they’ll never need it. Devon Timmerman is proof of why we do it anyway — and why the people standing next to us matter more than we sometimes realize.
This past quarter, during what began as an ordinary break, a coworker started choking. As the situation escalated and panic set in, Devon didn’t freeze. He moved. He assessed, he asked the right questions, and he performed the Heimlich maneuver — successfully dislodging the food and ensuring his coworker’s safety. It is one thing to be trained in emergency response. It is another thing entirely to act on that training when it counts most. Devon did both.
It’s no surprise that Devon’s recognition came from multiple nominations — all describing the same moment, all saying the same thing. When it mattered most, Devon was paying attention. That awareness and the willingness to act on it are exactly what the Be Safe core value calls each of us to. Not just following procedures but genuinely taking responsibility for the well-being of the people beside us.
Getting to Know Devon
Devon has been at Bazooka Farmstar for three years and most recently promoted to a lead role in assembly. He was drawn to the company by its family-oriented culture and the opportunity it offered — his previous role before joining Bazooka was mostly weekends, and the change suited him well. What keeps him here? The people. “They are great to work with,” he says — a sentiment that clearly goes both ways.
When asked what led to this recognition, Devon kept it simple: “I recognized that someone was in need and I thought quickly on what the proper response was.” That instinct — to notice, to act, to take responsibility for the well-being of others — is at the core of who he is.
His advice to others? “Always pay attention to your surroundings and what is going on. It could be life-changing for someone.”
Outside of Work
Devon comes from a racing family and has been around IMCA Stockcar racing his entire life. He’s been behind the wheel himself for 13 years, spending three nights a week at the track and traveling throughout the Midwest — with Florida being the farthest the family has ventured to watch races. Now his 14-year-old is getting into it, keeping the tradition going for the next generation.
Giving Back
With his $100 not-for-profit donation, Devon chose to support the Wapello Fire Department — the organization that serves the community he calls home. “I want to support the local organization that gives back,” he said. It’s a fitting choice for someone who believes in showing up for the people around him.
Congratulations, Devon. Thank you for watching out for your coworkers, for bringing your whole self to work every day, and for reminding all of us that safety isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise we make to each other.