Ross Hallman has worked for Washington State Ferries since June 2006. Although he has worked at other terminals since becoming a WSF employee, he has decided he likes Seattle's Pier 52 and has remained there across several bid cycles. Ross says he takes pride in what he does at work; helping people, directing traffic and maintaining appearances. In describing himself, Ross feels his natural inclination is to be shy, and one of the things he likes about working in the public eye is that it grants him the opportunity to work past that. His efforts to "work past that" include breaking up a physical conflict and diffusing the situation before bystanders were hurt; when a car at a tollbooth caught on fire, Ross responded with a fire extinguisher and put out the flame before any destruction to state property could take place. One afternoon a mother ran up to Ross with her baby yelling simply, "my baby isn't breathing". Without thinking Ross ran to the fire station next-door carrying the child and ensured medical attention was received. The baby recovered fine.

Because of his "can do" attitude, Ross is thought very highly of by his co-workers. In response to the question " What qualities make a good public employee" at least one employee responded, "see Ross Hallman". Perhaps it isn't that Ross is shy, but that he chooses not to draw attention to himself through the use of understatement. This past December a man disrobed and threatened to jump off the dock into the water. Ross prevented him doing so and just by talking to him, Ross got the man to change his mind. After telling Ross he was not going to try to jump, Ross said, "That's a good idea, now put on your pants."

What qualities make a good public employee? Did I mention Ross Hallman?

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