Since he was a young child, John F. Rekus has always been interested in how objects were formulated, designed and assembled. The television show “Industry on Parade” became a formative influence and, as such, he attended Loyola University Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, physics-engineering and secondary education in 1972. He later received a Master of Science in safety sciences from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1989.
Upon graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Mr. Rekus joined the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration, where he served as an industrial hygienist for two decades between 1974 and 1994. After departing from the administration, he created John F. Rekus & Associates Consulting Scientists and Engineers, LLC, in 1994, where he served as a senior safety engineer until 2012. Concurrently, he excelled as a senior safety engineer for the United States Department of Defense and National Security Agency from 2001 until his retirement in 2014. During the course of his career, Mr. Rekus authored “Entry into Confined Space” in The Complete Confined Spaces Handbook in 1994, and has further contributed myriad articles to technical and professional journals.
Outside of his primary endeavors, Mr. Rekus has thrived as a radio operator communicator for the Baltimore County Radio Amateur Emergency Service since 1996 and has been affiliated with the Baltimore County Local Emergency Planning Committee since 1985. A past assistant scoutmaster and assistant outback chairman for the Boy Scouts of America, he also sat on the industrial advisory board of Loyola University Maryland. Likewise, he has maintained membership with the American National Standards Institute, the Technical Committee for Confined Spaces and the American Industrial Hygiene Association, with whom he is a fellow.
For his achievements, Mr. Rekus has received several accolades. In 2000, he earned a Commendation for the Confined Space Entry Development Program by the Chief of Naval Operations. Attributing his success to his ability to persevere and mentor novice professionals, he intends to pursue a doctorate in public policy in the forthcoming future. Additionally, he would like to finish writing his book.
