As the residents of Edmond navigated through the blankets of heavy snowfall last month, it was the Field Services Department that stepped up to ensure the city's infrastructure remained intact and operational. With nearly 8 inches of snow covering the city, preparations had already started in advance to ready the vehicles essential for clearing the snow-laden paths. Sage Halbert, the Field Services Superintendent, detailed the efforts in a recent report, revealing that over 20 vehicles were dispatched and crews worked diligently, taking on 12-hour shifts for six consecutive days to manage the clearing of snow and the treacherous roads that many chose to avoid.
The Field Services Department, a part of the Public Works, not only grappled with the wintry obstacles but simultaneously addressed daily duties as critical as fixing water main breaks in the cold. Halbert explained, “We can’t shut other divisions down just because of a snow event,” underscoring the dual responsibilities such situations demand. Despite the mounting challenges, the essential maintenance of water flow, traffic signals, and road servicing persisted, thanks to the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly amid harsh weather conditions, as reported by the City of Edmond's official website.
Certain divisions within Public Works, including street maintenance, traffic, and drainage systems support, play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of Edmond's citizens. These teams keep a steady focus on the proactive measures needed to avert larger issues down the line. Keith Stewart, Director of Public Works, acknowledged the exemplary teamwork during the recent snowstorm, citing the department's capacity to cross-train and fully staff shifts as evidence of their seamless function and preparedness for crisis response. Stewart told the City of Edmond's news release, "While there are distinct lines of responsibility within the department, our Field Services team works seamlessly to deliver quality service in all areas of those responsibilities. The recent snowstorm was a perfect example of how this was intended to work. Because of the cross-training in Field Services, we were able to fully staff our snow shifts to provide an around-the-clock response for the duration of the event. Field Services is an amazing team, and I am extremely proud of the effort they put forth for this community."
Breaking down the operations, the Field Services Department is structured into specialized divisions that include Street Maintenance, responsible for the roads and related rights-of-way; Traffic, which maintains traffic signals, signs, and streetlights; Wastewater Line Maintenance, overseeing the sanitary sewer system; Water Line Maintenance, attending to the water distribution setups; and Meter Services, focused on the upkeep of water meters and related customer services. These divisions synergize their expertise to create a resilient network that ensures not just the functionality but also the safety and longevity of Edmond's infrastructure.
In spite of the rigorous demands placed upon them, the belief in exemplary customer service remains a cornerstone of Field Services' ethos. Halbert's statement encapsulated this commitment: “It is never a pleasant experience for the customer to have a water leak in the front yard or have a blockage in the wastewater line, but through excellent customer service and positive attitude, we strive to make these experiences as painless as possible.” It is with this dedication that Edmond's Field Services Department continues to demonstrate the essential role of public service – one that often goes unnoticed until it's needed most.
