Public Service Week – acknowledging those behind the work

“When something goes wrong and you lose your electricity or you lose clean water and your basic services disappear, then you suddenly have an appreciation for public service.”

Spearman noted that many of those in public service work every day in, sometimes, challenging conditions.

“Quite often, when they’re called out to work because there’s a failure in a system due to weather, and the weather is adverse, someone restores the service magically and we don`t often say thank you – so today is that opportunity to thank those who work in public service.”

One of the services that was highlighted on Tuesday was electrical service, which is right now replacing line poles and doing it without inconveniencing customers.

Burns Hill, with the city electrical department, was on-scene to explain how his department is working on an electrical pole replacement program, in which poles that may be as much as 60-years old have completed their life span. Hill noted it was a lengthy process, involving a number of measures taken ahead of time, to ensure there was no interruption in service while the poles were replaced.

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National Public Works Week was first recognized in 1960. Ever since then municipalities have used the third week in May each year for informing the public about the essential role public works play in the community.

Spearman also took the opportunity to ask people to consider a career choice in public service. The jobs are skilled services with educated employees who hold journeyman certificates which they’re required to maintain as technology increases. They also maintain a high level of safety on the job. He noted if people acquire the certification, there are excellent jobs available.

by Dori Modney and Brandyn Montgomery

Public Service Week – acknowledging those behind the work

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