Justin Cox - Occidental Chemical Corporation

May Member Spotlight – Justin Cox (Occidental Chemical Corporation)

CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do.

I am an Emergency Services Supervisor for OxyChem Houston with a profound passion for emergency management and response, serving the Houston sites for 16 years. I am also a 19-year member with the Pasadena Fire Department; in my tenure I have held various roles, and I am currently the District Chief for District 8. I bring many technical skills to the position that include experience in Incident Command, Emergency Operations, EMT-Paramedic, HazMat, Rescue, and Chlorine response. In addition to my current roles, I lead OxyChem’s specialized high hazard transportation response team with first response responsibilities in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. I have also served the CIMA (Channel Industries Mutual Aid) organization as a Zone Representative; as well as serving in all Chairperson leadership roles and I currently serve as a Specialist.  In my role with OxyChem, I have worked with the Chlorine Institute, and numerous other agencies to press forward the importance of safe handling and mitigation of mission chemicals. My priority remains with the health and safety of our responders and crews.

CI: When did you first become involved at CI? What activities have you been involved in at CI?

I have been participating with the Chlorine Institute since 2010. Since then, I have been involved with training our municipal partners on mitigation and response techniques, as well as serving in the Chairperson roles for CI Annual CHLOREP Team Training in Mississippi at the Mississippi Fire Academy. I have been an instructor at the school since 2012, working the transfer techniques evolution.

CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?

This is a tough one, as I feel I am an open book.  Some may know this, and I am sure I will regret later letting everyone else know, but I DESPISE clowns!

CI: Tell us about your favorite CI memory or success story. 

Recently I served as the Chairperson for CHLOREP Team Training in Mississippi. It was amazing to be a part of something so great! I witnessed firsthand the months of preparation to plan this event. My colleagues did an incredible job putting this impactful training together and I would like to recognize their dedication to making this critical training possible. The other component that impacted me were the conversations throughout the week with instructors and students. Their passion for the essential services that we provide is contagious.

CI: What do you value most from your CI membership?

I value the relationships that I have made in my tenure working with CI.  They have truly opened the doors to meet the most skilled responders in the world that lead with profound passion.  The camaraderie built is a testament to CI’s ability to bring producers, packagers, and responders together to protect our employees and our communities.

CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?

Embrace it and get involved! Take the time to network and learn all aspects of the industry. Do not get so involved or task oriented on just one thing. Appreciate a little of every aspect. Additionally, bring positivity each and every day!

Do you know an actively engaged CI member who would make a great Member Spotlight? Send their name and company to Cindy Kuranchie at Cindy@CL2.com.