Public Works Employees Recognized As First Responders In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township formally recognized public works professionals as first responders through a proclamation read into the record by Mayor John Bacchione.

Public works employees are “a bunch of people who really go unrecognized many times as first responders,” Bacchione said.

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“We have our police, we have our fire, we have EMS, but also what we have and they're there all the time, during our snow storms, during our flooding, during whatever catastrophe happens, and that's our Public Works people,” he said.

The proclamation described public works professionals as playing “a vital role in maintaining the health, safety and quality of life for residents” through the construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure. The measure listed roads, bridges, water systems, snow plowing, stormwater management, public buildings and emergency response systems among the services they support.

According to the proclamation, public works employees are often first on the scene during severe weather events, natural catastrophes, natural disasters, public health crises and other critical incidents. The document states that they work in dangerous and unpredictable conditions to protect life and property, clear debris, restore utilities, keep transportation routes safe and support first-response operations.

The proclamation also said it is appropriate to recognize public works professionals as first responders because of their contribution to emergency management and public safety. It further noted that the New Jersey Public Works Association has advocated for recognition and support of public works professionals across the state.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor John Bacchione, with the full concurrence of the township Council, hereby recognize Public Works professionals as first responders and honors their service dedication and critical role in safeguarding our communities,” he read.

After reading the proclamation, Bacchione thanked the department directly and called up Berkeley Township Head of Public Works Shawn Thomas to accept it. “Thank you for all you do,” he said.