The Movement to Recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders

While police, fire, and EMS are commonly recognized as first responders, public works professionals are often on the scene as well, quietly doing essential work to restore normalcy in communities without the praise or recognition. In this week’s edition of Public Works Radio, the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), we’re exploring the stories of why public workers are first responders and addressing the efforts it will require to ensure more formal recognition of public works professionals designated as first responders. The movement requires many public workers to step out of their comfort zones, help get the word out about the fundamental role public works plays in partnership with their fellow first responders, and ensure more people in their communities understand the incredible work they do. In this episode we hear from the following guests: Philip Mann. He serves as Special Project Administrator in the City of Gainesville, Florida, and previously served as Public Works Director. Leon Berrett. He is retired from Salt Lake County Public Works in Utah, where he previously served as Associate Director of Public Works Operations. Kürt Blomquist. He retired in 2023 from the City of Keene, New Hampshire, where he served as Public Works Director, Assistant City Manager, and Emergency Management Director. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at [email protected] so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Links Public Works as First Responders resources from APWA: https://www.apwa.org/resources/public-works-first-responders/ Lessons as First Responders: Responding to the 2024 Hurricanes (webinar): https://www.apwa.org/resource/lessons-as-first-responders-responding-to-the-2024-hurricanes/  From FEMA’s YouTube Channel, "Public Works & Emergency Management": https://youtu.be/Y5i-oguCJ7Q?si=5lwJvjcHKO6Dzl3F Learn more about Kürt Blomquist’s impact on Keene, NH: https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/city/after-3-decades-keenes-public-works-director-to-retire/article_fa286221-6b52-509c-9bac-74544a4c69d7.html Phillip Mann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmann/