About
Our Mission
We aim to honor Dave Fons’ dedication to truck safety by advocating for safe operating, educating and supporting drivers, and providing resources for accident survivors.
Promote truck safety through advocacy, awareness, and support of truck drivers.
Improve safety by supporting education and training of truck-related professionals.
Provide resources and support to survivors and families affected by truck-related accidents.
About Dave Fons
Dave Fons was a husband of 42 years, a father of three, and grandfather of five. He was also an hard-working entrepreneur his whole life. Dave truly loved his work. He was in the earthmoving and road construction business, and even at a young age, was a dedicated and talented heavy equipment operator, a passion that never ceased even as business ownership took over. He ran a successful company, Fonson Inc, from 1978 to 2014. Even while on vacation, Dave would scour the area for similar projects to his, making new friends and offering advice. He never outgrew the sandbox, and passed his love of all things dirt to his sons. Dave was a member of the Michigan Road Builders Association, the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, and the International Union of Operating Engineers.
About the Crash
Dave was involved in a fatal automobile crash while visiting his son and his family in Fort Myers, Florida. Dave was driving a compact vehicle and was hit by a fully loaded dump truck that failed to yield to a red light. He likely died upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. As Dave was involved in the construction and aggregate industry, it was truly ironic that his life ended the way it did. His family found a greater meaning in his death and created the Dave Fons Memorial Fund for the Advocacy of Truck Safety just days after his death. It was important for them to make an effort to help other families in their position, as well as prevent other tragedies like this from occurring.
Board Members
GARRETT FONS
President
Garrett is Dave’s oldest son and is employed by Ajax Paving Industries of Florida. He worked with his father and uncles for several years at Fonson Inc. before graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in Construction Management. After graduation he moved to Ft. Myers, Florida where he current resides. Garrett has always had a passion for the construction, something that created a strong bond between him and his father. At Ajax, Garrett’s title is Construction Manager and he is directly responsible for field operations. Safety and truck safety is of the utmost importance every day. Garrett is committed to the Truck safety fund and plans to use it as a means of making public roads and construction work zones as safe as possible.
Courtney Sprague
Vice-President
Courtney is Dave’s daughter. Having her father, grandfather, brothers, uncles, and cousins in the construction field has given her a profound appreciation for dangers that are involved and the importance of continued safety training and education. Additionally, Courtney holds advanced degrees in Wellness, Health Promotion, and Injury Prevention, as well as Clinical Psychology. She is devoted to aiding the fund in it’s mission to provide education about truck safety to professionals and the general public. She is also passionate about helping victims and family members affected by trucking accidents through various types of support and resources.
Andy Decraene
Member at Large
Andy is the Executive Vice-President for Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, with over 18 years of construction experience. He shares the same passion and dedication to the construction industry as Dave and his family. This common bond has been the foundation of his longtime friendship with the Fons Family. As a member of the Florida Transportation Builders Association, the Asphalt Paving Association of Florida and the Southwest Florida Transportation Initiative, he knows how impactful an organization with a clear vision and common goals can be. Actively involved in company safety policies and programs, he understands the importance of continuous education and training. Andy’s devoted to making a difference. He hopes to use his knowledge in construction to help develop professional truck safety training and promotional education programs.
Michael Fons
Member at Large
Michael Fons is Dave Fons’ nephew. Michael is the Director of Operations at GBM Sand & Gravel. He worked for Dave directly for more than 10 years. Dave taught Michael what it takes to create a safe working environment. Every day is a new challenge, not only on a job site but on roads and highways as well. Michael is fully committed to fulfilling the needs of the Dave Fons Memorial Fund, not only through training and support but to also make sure his coworkers return home safely at the end of each day.
Craig Fons
Treasurer
Craig Fons is Dave Fons’ brother. Craig is the owner of multiple aggregate and construction-related businesses. He and Dave worked together most of their adult lives. They were both committed to making their job sites as safe as possible for their employees. Craig is a long-time and active member of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. Craig is committed to ensuring that the fund has professional opportunities to provide safety training to truck drivers. He is also passionate about shifting the atmosphere of the construction and aggregate field to one that is more safety minded.
Michelle Fons
Director of Public Relations & Events
Michelle Fons, daughter-in-law of Dave Fons, brings a wealth of experience in business and financial management to the organization. In her previous occupation, she oversaw fleet and asset management, ensuring that every vehicle is properly maintained and adheres to the highest safety standards. Michelle also led and administered safety program initiatives, performing in-depth analyses to continually improve operations.
Known for her exceptional organizational skills and talent in event planning, Michelle plays a key role in connecting with supporters and expanding the reach of The Dave Fons Memorial Fund. She is a passionate advocate for road safety, firmly believing it is a shared responsibility. Michelle warmly welcomes anyone interested in getting involved with our mission and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our communities.
Stephen disney
Member at Large
Stephen Disney is an accomplished leader in the trucking, logistics, and construction industries. Raised in the trucking business, he developed a deep understanding of operations, workforce management, and large-scale infrastructure projects from an early age. Over the course of his career, Stephen has successfully led teams managing up to 900 trucks, overseeing complex road-building initiatives and driving substantial business growth.
Currently serving as President of VLJ Construction Services and Vice President of T. Disney Trucking and Grading Inc., Stephen brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership, safety, and operational excellence. He is deeply committed to advancing truck safety and making a lasting difference on our roads.
Your Support Changes Lives.
Your generous donation supports our scholarship fund, safety trainings and incentive programs, public awareness campaigns, and truck crash survivor support. We are immensely grateful for your help in supporting these endeavors.