Published date: October 19, 2024
Why recognize public works professionals as FIRST RESPONDERS?
While police, fire, and EMS are often the three most recognized first responders, public works is also often silently there–providing vital support to emergency response partners, helping protect essential services, and restoring those services following an emergency situation.
Consider the following:
- In 2003, President George W. Bush issued Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) officially recognizing public works as first responders.
- In 2019, the US Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 (S.Con.Res.15), “Expressing support for the designation of October 28, 2019, as Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day.” Public works is specifically included.
- The National Incident Management System (NIMS) lists public works alongside police, fire, and public health in its documentation: National Incident Management System, 3rd Edition (fema.gov).
- Public works is often considered “the silent arm of public safety”…usually without fanfare. Public works professionals are often the first on scene and the last to leave the scenes of disasters–no matter the peril.
Check out Florida agencies recognizing public works as first responders.