Public Works Crew Acts As First Responders In University Street Crash

Press release from the City of Peoria:

August 27, 2020

Crew keeps drivers safe while awaiting police, fire emergency response

The unsung heroes of the street were back at it this morning. Two Peoria Public Works crew members stepped in as first responders at the scene of a crash at the intersection of University Street and Gale Avenue and helped block traffic while awaiting emergency response.

Without hesitation, the team positioned their work trucks to protect the scene and used their strobe lights to alert oncoming drivers. Then wearing neon safety vests they got out of their vehicles and redirected traffic away from the site to prevent additional crashes until police and fire could arrive.

“This is a prime example of the selfless work we do on a daily basis which often goes unnoticed,” said Deputy Director of Operations, Sie Maroon. “Public Works crews are trained and ready to respond to all types of emergency situations. We do everything we can to keep people safe.”

While first response is an unscripted part of their work day, the 30-plus maintenance workers who are on the streets daily are often the first to encounter traffic incidents. In those instances, they are quick to act and step up to the task at hand. With safety at the forefront, they are always willing to do whatever best serves public safety and the community.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.