Departments support Educare
The week of March 16, Fire, Public Works, Police, Parks and Recreation, and Communications and Engagement staff had the opportunity to engage with a group of enthusiastic K-5 students at Fairmont Elementary Educare, where they shared the many unique aspects of their jobs.
On Wednesday, Parks and Recreation staff members Rachel Evans, David Compton, and Alex Ward visited the
students, talking to the class about the different parks and facilities offered throughout Parks and Recreation, its upcoming special events, and summer camp programs. The visit also featured a surprise appearance by Frankie the Fox (Kevin Brown), with each student receiving a pair of sunglasses and the chance to take photos with the Parks and Recreation mascot.
On Tuesday, the Fire
Continued on page 2
March 2026
Continued: Departments support Educare
Department and on Friday, the Police Department delivered important lessons in public safety.
Firefighters spoke with students about fire prevention and the importance of having a designated meeting place outside their homes in case of fire. They also gave a hands-on look at the specialized gear and equipment they use to respond to emergencies.
Police officers discussed their role in keeping our community safe and gave students an up-close look at their patrol vehicles. The highlight of the visit was K9 Buck, JCPD’s electronic storage detection dog, who demonstrated his ability to sniff out technology before interacting with students.
Public Works Crew
Supervisor Lynn Richardson spoke with students on
Thursday about the value of recycling and its role in protecting both the environment and the community. He outlined which items are accepted for recycling and which should be discarded, using practical examples to show how everyday choices can help cut down on waste.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make Educare fun for all.
March 2026
Update: Fire training structure progressing
Level 1 of the Johnson City Fire Department’s hands-on training (H.O.T.) structure is complete.
This three-story structure will include multiple live-burn sites, allowing firefighters to sharpen critical skills and prepare for the challenges they face in the field.
Construction on Level 2 is underway. The H.O.T. structure is projected to be complete later this year.
GovDeals descriptions for effective listings
Surplus property sales provide the general public an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of general merchandise, vehicles, heavy equipment, and other goods. GovDeals manages the sale of unwanted and obsolete items on behalf of the City.
The Purchasing Department requests that you take a moment to recognize the
necessary details that are important when buying secondhand items as you prepare a listing. A thorough GovDeals description enhances the potential for the sale of an item at a higher bid.
Please include a title (Year/ Make/Model), detailed specifications (VIN, mileage, condition), any known
damage, maintenance records, and other significant details.
Photographs that accompany the item should capture the current condition and highlight notable issues or relevant details.
A good description boosts bidder confidence and maximizes final sale prices.
March 2026
JC Builds well-attended roundtable kicks off 2026
The first JC Builds Roundtable of 2026 was held in February, bringing together a full room of engaged community partners and stakeholders.
A total of 54 attendees participated in the session, including Commissioners, City staff, builders, developers, business owners, and community members. The strong turnout reflects continued interest and collaboration as the initiative
approaches its two-year milestone.
The agenda featured several important updates including:
• Welcoming Joseph Strong in his role as Chief Building Official (CBO) to the group for the first time
• Sharing updates to inspection procedures
• Discussing developments related to the street acceptance policy
• Recruiting volunteers to apply for the Board of
Building Codes
As JC Builds continues to grow, it was encouraging to see such strong participation from those invested in the future of development in Johnson City.
If you have a topic you would like to see addressed at a future JC Builds Roundtable, please contact Cooper Reaves, Special Projects Manager, at creaves@ johnsoncitytn.org.
School bus driver leaves lasting impression
Transit recently received a message from a parent recognizing Clifford Blevins as an outstanding bus driver.
This school year marked an exciting transition for a 6th grader at Liberty Bell Middle School, who started riding the bus daily. According to the parent, Mr. Clifford, as he is affectionately called, has made a lasting
impression, providing safe transportation as well as a sense of comfort and consistency at the end of each school day.
The parent shared that Mr. Clifford goes above and beyond at the bus stop, offering kind words to their child, to their younger sibling, and even the family dog. His presence has
helped create a positive and welcoming experience that extends beyond the bus route.
Transit is grateful to have team members like Clifford who make a meaningful difference in service to the community. Thank you for representing the City so well and for the care you show every day.
Next Community Roundtable heads to Chick-fil-A
The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) invites residents to take part in its upcoming Community Roundtable. The event, a come-and-go setting with no formal agenda, provides residents of Johnson City the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and connect directly with members of the JCPD.
“We want to create a space where people feel comfortable speaking openly,” said JCPD Chief
Eric Dougherty. “We are committed to continuous improvement, and that begins by listening. I look forward to more productive conversations in April.”
The next Community Roundtable will take place on Thursday, April 9 at Chick-fil-A, 3206 Peoples St., from 8:30-10 a.m. We invite you to join JCPD leadership for coffee and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
The JCPD’s new electronic
storage detection dog, K9 Buck, and his partner, Sgt. Tim Hensley, will also attend the meeting. Sgt. Hensley will be available to answer the community’s questions about the work K9 Buck has been doing at the JCPD.
The remaining Community Roundtable meetings for 2026 are scheduled for June 11, Aug. 13, Oct. 8, and Dec. 10 from 8:30-10 a.m. Meeting locations will be announced at a later date.
Employee survey results now on City website
The results from the 2025 employee survey have been posted on the City’s website. To the employees that participated, City leadership and the Commission thank you for your time and input.
Of the 1,116 employees surveyed, a total of 417 responses were gathered, providing an overall response rate of 37 percent. This is a healthy percentage, giving leadership meaningful data to use when considering initiatives and changes to the organization.
We are pleased to report that in all areas, even those that saw a decline, results met or exceeded benchmark communities.
Of note, 92 percent of City staff who took the survey feel positive about working for the organization. Other highlights include supervisors who are excelling in a number of key areas such as:
• Communicating information in a timely manner
• Encouraging innovative solutions to problems
• Fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence
• Promoting positive working relationships among staff
Please take time to review the full set of results:
Opportunity to view inside of Carter Hill tank
The 3-million-gallon Carter Hill water tank was taken offline the week of Feb. 23 while contractors conducted a scheduled inspection. During this routine process, no water was stored in the tank, giving City staff the opportunity to safely view the interior before disinfection.
While the tank was out
of service, the 5-milliongallon Tannery Knob tank and the 2-million-gallon Masters Knob tank remained operational to meet water demand and maintain fire protection within the 1838 Pressure Zone.
Following cleaning and inspection, the tank was refilled and returned to service on March 3.
I Love JC Parks campaign, survey underway
Johnson City Parks and Recreation has launched an “I Love JC Parks” campaign to seek feedback from residents who visit the City’s parks and community centers.
Yard signs and stickers with the “I Love JC Parks” logo and QR code have been positioned throughout all of the Johnson City parks and community centers. Visitors are encouraged to scan the QR code at each visit to complete a survey sharing feedback about their experience. The survey explores park and facility usage, satisfaction,
amenities, accessibility and inclusion, programming, and your vision for future enhancements.
“Community input plays a vital role in shaping the future of Johnson City Parks and Recreation,” said Director April Norris. “Our department encourages all park and community center visitors to share their experiences. Whether it be positive or areas for improvement, this will help us better understand residents’ needs and expectations. This feedback will ensure the department continues to provide quality programming and activities across all of our parks and centers.”
For visitors who are unable to complete the survey on-site, the survey is also available online at www.johnsoncitytn. org/ilovejcparks.
Employee scholarships support dreams
The Human Resources Department is now accepting applications for both the City of Johnson City Employee Scholarship and the John W. Campbell Scholarship. These opportunities are available to legal dependents of fulltime or part-time regular City employees as well as retirees.
The Employee Scholarship is supported entirely through voluntary contributions from City staff. The John W. Campbell Scholarship is funded by former City
Manager John Campbell in honor of his father.
Graduating high school seniors planning to enroll full-time in an accredited college, university, or trade school are eligible to apply for the Employee Scholarship. The John W. Campbell Scholarship is open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will be enrolled full-time at ETSU or Northeast State. This is a competitive award, with one $500 scholarship available.
Scholarship funds are distributed directly to each recipient’s institution in July and may be applied toward tuition or books.
Continued support is essential to sustain the Employee Scholarship program. Employees are encouraged to consider making a contribution to
help ensure its future. Applications must be submitted to Human Resources by Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m.
For information please contact Richard Lockner at rlockner@johnsoncitytn.org.
Parks and Recreation offers summer camps
Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost time for Johnson City Parks and Recreation summer camps. Registration opens Monday, April 6 at 8 a.m., so mark your calendars now.
“Our department is looking forward to another exciting summer camp season,” said Director April Norris. “We are pleased to announce some new camp offerings this year, along with returning several favorites.
The staff have been working hard so our campers can enjoy another fun-filled summer.”
With full-day and halfday options offered, there is something for everyone across a variety of categories, including nature, Esports, therapeutic, athletic, and health and fitness. Full-day camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while most half-day camps are from 9 a.m. to noon. Camps are available for children of
all ages, with therapeutic camps open to teenagers and adults.
Additionally, the athletics staff is holding a free Intro Youth Cheer Clinic from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 15 at Memorial Park Community Center and a free Football Clinic at Kermit Tipton Stadium from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 28.
Camps fill up fast, so set your alarm and be ready to register at 8 a.m. on April 6.
Opportunity to learn CPR, life-saving skills
Enrollment for the Johnson City Fire Department’s (JCFD) quarterly handsonly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is now open. The JCFD course, designed to empower participants with life-saving skills, is in response to feedback from the department’s community survey.
Residents may register for the free training session that will take place on April 8 at the JCFD Training Facility, 2832 W. Walnut St. The class will be held from 6 until 8 p.m.
Participants will train on high-tech Brayden CPR manikins, which use animated LED lights to provide real-time feedback on compression quality and blood circulation.
In addition to hands-only CPR, participants also will have the opportunity to train in proper fire extinguisher techniques. An LEDdriven digital flame and a laser training extinguisher simulator will give trainees a dynamic and realistic simulation while eliminating hazards.
“Seconds matter, whether the situation is cardiac arrest or a small fire,” said JCFD Chief David Bell. “Learning these simple skills can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. This class gives our community the knowledge to act quickly and safely.”
For additional information call 423.975.2840, or to sign up for the April course, visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/ handsonlycprclass.
Sign Up Here
Fire Calls for Service
The JCFD responded to 750 calls for service during February, 109 more than January.
Here’s the breakdown:
• Fire – 19
• EMS – 444
• Other – 287 (includes anything that is not a fire or medical call)
Every response is a reminder of the trust you place in us. We are committed to being there whenever you call.
Annual favorite returns: Arbor Day giveaway
Public Works will host a tree giveaway on Saturday, April 4 at Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive, from 9 a.m. until the supply of seedlings runs out. Approximately 3,100 tree seedlings will be handed out on a first-come,
first-served basis. Varieties offered will include Trident Maple, Sioux (dark pink) Crape Myrtle, Paw Paw, Redbud, White Dogwood, American Hornbeam, and Willow Oak. A limited number of seedlings will be available per person. Since 2010, the City has celebrated Arbor Day by distributing a total of 42,800 trees to the public.
This Arbor Day marks the 26th consecutive year that Johnson City has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To maintain the Tree City USA designation, the City must have an
Arbor Day observance, a tree ordinance, a tree board or department responsible for trees, and meet the minimum funding requirements for tree maintenance and planting.
“Maintaining the Tree City USA designation demonstrates Johnson City’s commitment to the many benefits trees provide to our community,” said City Forester Patrick Walding.
K9 Buck has the nose that knows TPPO
In today’s digital age, the smallest device can hold critical evidence in a crime, and K9 Buck knows exactly how to find it. He’s the Johnson City Police Department’s first electronic storage detection dog that is highly trained to sniff out hidden technology.
K9 Buck is an English Labrador that is trained to detect triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of electronic devices like cell phones,
SIM cards, hard drives, and thumb drives. At just 2 years and 7 months old, K9 Buck has received extensive training for much of his life. He and partner Sgt. Tim Hensley recently completed a vigorous, 150hour training course at the National Computer Forensic Institute in Alabama. They received certifications in indoor, outdoor, and vehicle searches.
K9 Buck’s duties include working with the JCPD’s Special Victims Unit (SVU)
on Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and child exploitation investigations.
“Crimes against children increasingly involve digital platforms,” said JCPD Chief Eric Dougherty. “With the additions of K9 Buck and a full-time ICAC investigator within our Special Victims Unit, we continue to expand our abilities to thoroughly investigate these crimes and have the specialized expertise needed to investigate these complex cases effectively.”
K9 Buck was obtained through a partnership between the JCPD and the U.S. Secret Service.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - January
Jonathan King - Public Works
Charmaine Smith Schwanke - Parks and Recreation
Gabriel Kotynski - Fire
Kaitlyn Hermans - Fire
Adam Iaguessa - Fire
Keegan Velsor - Fire
Gage Christensen - Fire
Gregory Godier - Administration
Matthew Bolick - Water and Sewer Services
Devin Buchanan - Public Works
Gary Washburn - Transit
Promotions - January
Matthew Gratigny - Facilities Management
Christopher Dykes - Water and Sewer Services
Steve Willis - Deputy City Manager
Joshua Franklin - Fire
Thomas Norris - Fire
Carmelo LoPorto - Fire
Christian Loor Chica - Water and Sewer Services
Richard Marosites - Parks and Recreation
Retirements - January
Michael Oliver - Fire (45)
Kevin Hicks - Water and Sewer Services (19)
Douglas Ramsey - Public Works (27)
Walter Duke - Public Works (31)
David Ferrell - Parks and Recreation (30)
Joyce Baker - Risk Management (45)
Donna Campbell - Parks and Recreation (22)
New Hires - February
Jacob Norris - Public Works
Christopher Nitsche - Water and Sewer Services
Sydney Bryant - Facilities Management
James Truesdale - Water and Sewer Services
Ethan Reed - Water and Sewer Services
Matthew Walters - Public Works
Brandon Sexton - Public Works
Savannah Hughes - Parks and Recreation
Courtlin Jenkins - Fleet Management
Sherry Carrier - Parks and Recreation
Jayden Black - Parks and Recreation
Promotions - February
Luz Gonzalez Alicea - Transit
Michael Ward - Parks and Recreation
Retirements - February
Melissa Curtis - Transit (32)
