Council designates Public Works employees as first responders and authorizes use of APWA symbol

Bristol City Council on Aug. 26 adopted a resolution authorizing the city’s Department of Public Works to display the American Public Works Association Public Works First Responder symbol and formally recognizing public‑works employees as first responders in line with federal guidance.

City staff described the role public‑works crews play in emergencies: clearing roadways, providing traffic control, restoring critical infrastructure, and supporting police, fire and EMS access. Jake Chandler, speaking for staff, summarized federal and state guidance noting the National Incident Management System and FEMA recognize public works as part of emergency support functions and that the Virginia Department of Emergency Management identifies public works in incident management roles.

Council approved the measure unanimously on a roll call vote. The adopted resolution cites APWA’s adoption of a National Public Works First Responder symbol (announced May 7, 2018) and references Homeland Security Presidential Directives recognizing public‑works responsibilities in incident response.

Council members thanked public‑works employees for their work in extreme weather and other incidents and said the symbol will help public recognition of the department’s emergency role. The resolution authorizes broad use of the symbol on vehicles, uniforms, buildings and other appropriate media.

Actions: Council adopted the resolution authorizing use of APWA’s Public Works First Responder symbol and recognizing Department of Public Works staff as first responders; the vote was recorded in the council roll call.