18 Technology: Brownsville builds own cellular network to enhance quality of life
22 Technology: New design using 3D printing with diatomaceous earth helps reduce waste and carbon emissions
26 Technology: Lafayette Fire Department invests in lifesaving thermal cameras
30 Technology: Innovative initiative: Sarasota’s Smart City garners recognition
34 Technology: Durham, N.C.’s, H.E.A.R.T. program offers an alternative model for public safety
40 Public Safety: Jackson, Miss., connects with record numbers at Youth Citizen Police Academy
46 Municipal Management: Several states posed to benefit from Big Sky Passenger Rail
50 Parks & Environmental Services: Destin expands public beach access with shoreline restoration projects
52 Building & Construction: Scranton city hall renovation a beacon to city’s ‘positivity’
Aries Clean Technologies is offering municipalities an alternative path to handle “forever chemicals.” Its patented gasification system offers reliable biosolids management for over a million people per facility, paired with validated PFAS destruction of more than 97%. Learn more on page 10.
publisher RON BAUMGARTNER rbaumgartner@the-papers.com
editor-in-chief DEB PATTERSON dpatterson@the-papers.com
editor SARAH WRIGHT swright@the-papers.com
publication manager CHRIS SMITH chris@themunicipal.com
graphic designer MARY LESTER mlester@the-papers.com
business manager ANNETTE WEAVER aweaver@the-papers.com
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Jennifer Barton, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Lauren Caggiano, Nicholette Carlson, Denise Fedorow, Katie Graham, Danielle Lund, Janet G. Patterson, Julie Young
AI evolution brings growing pains and benefits
Sarah Wright | Editor
Sometimes, with the advances in artificial technology, I feel like a Luddite. Or perhaps I’ve watched “The Terminator” too many times, but AI makes me nervous, especially since I doubt developers’ intentions and ability to pull the plug if needed the desire to put the public good above profit. No matter what, AI is here, and it’s going nowhere. It will continue to pop up in our lives, whether through our internet searches or the filters we apply to our photos and videos. We will need to adapt to its existence, especially since AI is expected to automate or transform 50% to 60% of jobs by 2050, according to Forbes senior contributor Jack Kelly in “These Jobs Will Fall First As AI Takes Over The Workplace.”
While stats like that can lead to doom spirals, this is not the first time that leaps in technology have led to jobs going extinct, though perhaps those previous leaps hadn’t been as fast. Those who take the time to
understand and use AI will better weather this jobs revolution.
The impact on human jobs is just one concern with the current AI revolution. The technology requires immense amounts of electricity and water. BloombergNEF forecasts U.S. data-center power demand “will more than double by 2035, rising from almost 35 gigawatts in 2024 to 78 gigawatts.” It further notes, “Actual energy consumption growth will be even steeper, with average hourly electricity demand nearly tripling from 16 gigawatt-hours in 2024 to 49 gigawatt-hours by 2035.”
While the technology has growing pains and concerns, it offers tremendous benefits, too. It can automate and optimize tedious workflows while increasing efficiency. The University of Cincinnati’s blog post “9 Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2025” noted AI has the potential to enhance health care and boost economic growth while offering climate change mitigation, advanced transportation, customer service excellence, scientific discovery, enhanced financial services, improved agriculture and enhanced cybersecurity.
Unsurprisingly, this technology-themed issue of The Municipal will highlight some benefits cities are uncovering with AI.
We lead with Brownsville, Texas, which has developed its own 5G network, alleviating the
connectivity issues the city has faced being near the border with Mexico. As part of this effort, the city also bought equipment for a data center that includes an artificial intelligence factory. This AI factory provides the city with real-time analytics that can improve operations and public safety. Writer Denise Fedorow shares more about Brownsville’s impressive undertaking.
Sarasota, Fla., has been recognized for its Smart City program, which uses connected automotive vehicle technology that can detect and report a wide range of safety issues while also collecting data about usage and traffic patterns. Writer Julie Young reports it has been installed at 16 of Sarasota’s 93 intersections so far.
Other topics include how technology is shaping the public safety field and how 3D printing shows potential for innovative uses in construction and for streets.
Times change, and while humans often reject change, we need to set aside those tendencies. The Luddites English textile workers couldn’t stop automated machinery, and their modern equivalents won’t stop AI. We can only attempt to channel it to benefit our lives and communities, like many municipalities have done.
Aries Clean Technologies: Proven
PFAS Destruction in Biosolids at Scale
Article and photos submitted by Aries Clean Technologies
When city leaders talk about infrastructure challenges, few issues rank higher than biosolids management and the rising concerns about “forever chemicals,” scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Municipalities are under increasing pressure from regulators and residents alike to ensure safe, sustainable biosolids disposal.
For Aries Clean Technologies, the solution is obvious and transformational. With a patented gasification system and proven operations at scale, Aries is offering municipalities a better path forward: reliable biosolids management for over a million people per facility paired with validated PFAS destruction of more than 97%.
A model built for municipalities
Aries partners with municipalities under a DBOOM model Design, Build, Own, Operate and Maintain. This approach ensures
cities can rely on a long-term, predictable solution rather than short-term contracts. Each Aries facility is designed for a 30-year life, locking in disposal costs while guaranteeing performance.
Partnering with Aries is designed to be straightforward. Because facilities are delivered under the DBOOM model, municipalities don’t carry the capital and operating costs. Aries also provides flexibility in siting its projects by either co-locating at a wastewater treatment plant or obtaining land close to biosolids generators, minimizing
ABOVE: Aries’ Linden, N.J., facility processes 400 wet tons of biosolids daily, serving the equivalent of more than 1 million residents.
transportation distances. From there, Aries can partner regionally with numerous wastewater utilities to collect feedstock, ensuring a reliable and long-term solution for biosolids management in the region.
“Municipal leaders want certainty,” said Aries Clean Technologies CEO Jon Cozens. “Our technology destroys PFAS in biosolids at commercial scale, while providing communities with a long-term, reliable option for waste management. Cities don’t have to choose between environmental responsibility and fiscal responsibility they can have both.”
Technology that delivers results
Independent testing has confirmed what Aries engineers and municipal partners
have already seen firsthand: The company’s patented gasification system destroys more than 97% of PFAS compounds in biosolids. Alongside established approaches, such as landfilling, incineration and land application, gasification offers a new path: It breaks the PFAS cycle by removing these compounds from biosolids before they can accumulate in the environment.
Each Aries facility can process over 400 wet tons of biosolids daily the waste generated by more than 1 million people. The process not only neutralizes contaminants; it also generates a useful producer gas, which powers plant operations and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
“With Aries, PFAS destruction isn’t just a promise it’s been proven through mass balance testing,” Jon Cozens emphasized.
From concept to commercial scale Aries’ proof-of-concept facility in Linden, N.J., is operational, providing a real-world demonstration of gasification at scale. There, biosolids from municipal partners are safely processed, PFAS compounds destroyed and energy recovered.
Derek Armstead, mayor of Linden, called the partnership a milestone for his city. “The most rewarding aspect of our partnership with Aries is knowing that here in Linden, we have taken a giant step toward reducing the carbon footprint, which is one of the most important things we can do for our children and future generations,” he said.
Building on that success, Aries has secured site control and is preparing to break ground on a new facility in southern Maine in 2026. Once operational, it will serve as the region’s first large-scale biosolids gasification plant, expanding capacity and reinforcing the model’s scalability.
Meeting regulatory and community needs
Municipal executives and utility directors face increasing scrutiny over PFAS contamination, often with limited resources and few disposal options. Aries aims to change that dynamic. By offering a solution that is independently validated, scalable and financially predictable, the company is positioning itself as a trusted partner for cities nationwide.
“Public works leaders are looking for technology they can count on not just for today, but for decades,” Jon Cozens said. “Our
facilities are designed to be that dependable solution.”
Benefits beyond destruction
The advantages extend beyond PFAS elimination.
• By reducing waste volumes locally via gasification, Aries technology cuts down on transportation emissions and landfill usage.
• Facilities also create local jobs and generate new tax revenue streams for host communities.
• The toilet flushes every day, good economy or bad. Aries facilities are exceptionally resilient to economic downturns.
• Aries’s long-term business model allows municipalities to lock in disposal rates for tenures attractive to the municipality, providing cash-flow predictability.
For municipal leaders balancing environmental mandates with economic realities, that combination is compelling.
next facility, slated for southern Maine, is set to break ground in 2026.
A cleaner, scalable future
Across the country, conversations about PFAS contamination and biosolids management are growing louder. For many municipalities, the choice is no longer whether to act, but how quickly they can adopt a sustainable, proven solution.
Aries Clean Technologies believes its model offers that path. With a proven operational facility, new projects breaking ground, and validated results at scale, the company is positioning itself as the partner cities can rely on in a fast-changing regulatory landscape.
“Innovation in municipal infrastructure doesn’t happen overnight,” Jon Cozens said. “But when it does, it changes everything. We’re proud to provide cities with a tool that protects public health, safeguards the environment and makes financial sense for decades to come.”
For more information, visit ariescleantech.com
Aries’ patented gasification technology has been validated to destroy over 97% PFAS compounds in biosolids.
LEFT: Aries’
A pretty retreat: Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
It is the place where four sisters became “Little Women” — a 12-acre property at 399 Lexington Road in Concord, Mass., which was written into history by Louisa May Alcott, one of the most beloved authors in American literature.
According to Jan Turnquist, director of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, the city of Concord is unique on many historic levels. It is considered to be the birthplace of the nation by some, was the site of the first Revolutionary War battle and has been home to a number of notable authors over the years. However, the Louisa May Alcott house is an unusual landmark.
Louisa May Alcott (Morphart Creation/Shutterstock.com)
ABOVE: The front of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House welcomes visitors. Many have stated that touring the home is like walking through the “Little Women” novel. (ChicagoPhotographer/Shutterstock.com)
“I don’t know of another home that is as completely preserved as this one,” she said.
Anchored at last
The Alcotts were a nomadic family who moved more than 20 times in three decades and lived in Concord twice before making the community their permanent home in 1857. Amos Bronson Alcott paid $947 for the property, which included a two-story, clapboard manor house as well as a flourishing grove of apple trees that inspired the “Orchard House” moniker.
He spent the next year making a number of repairs and renovations to the home, including the installation of alcoves to showcase the collection of busts that were previously displayed at his failed Temple School. He also enlarged Orchard House by attaching a small tenant farmhouse to the back of the home, constructed an art studio for his youngest daughter, Abigail, and erected a rustic fence on the property. During the remodel, Alcott’s wife and daughters resided at a rented home on Bedford Street. Louisa, who was the second oldest of the sisters, said that moving into Orchard House meant that the Alcott family was anchored at last.
American writer, educator and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott reads in the study at his home, Orchard House, in Concord, Mass. The majority of furnishings that are on display at Orchard House today are items that were actually owned and used by the Alcotts. (Public Domain)
However, there was a pall over the transition as Elizabeth, the third sister and the one who became the model for Beth March in the book, died a few weeks before the family moved into the home. Elizabeth’s memory was never far from Louisa’s mind, especially when she began writing her iconic novel on a special shelf desk built by her father in 1868.
In 1877, Louisa bought a home on Main Street for her older sister Anna. When their mother died later that same year, Louisa and her father moved into the Main Street house as well. The Alcotts vacated Orchard House completely by Nov. 14 of that year, and the home was sold to William Torrey Harris seven years later.
Louisa wrote that she was glad when the sale was completed, even though she had 25 years of memories connected to the house.
“But places have not much hold on me when the persons who made them dear are gone,” she said.
A portrait in time
Folks who have visited Orchard House say it is like walking through the “Little Women” novel. There have been no major structural changes to the house itself, and any work that has been done to preserve the building has been cleverly hidden to maintain the integrity of the 17th century home.
According to Turnquist, approximately 80% of the furnishings and household items on display were the property of the Alcotts, so there is a sense of authenticity to the way in which the rooms are showcased.
“It’s as if they left everything as is,” she said.
Today, Orchard House welcomes more than 60,000 visitors per year. Guests say it is a must for any fan of history or the beloved author.
Mariel Santos of Bronx, N.Y., wrote that her trip to Orchard House was the most amazing experience of her life and a bucket-list dream since she was a teenager.
“The young guide was so well-versed in knowledge of the content and encouraged us to ask questions,” she said. “What a joy and experience I will never forget!”
Turnquist said it’s not unusual for fans to have an emotional reaction to seeing Orchard House for the first time. As Little Women continues to be discovered by new generations and reinterpreted on film, those who
A sign welcomes visitors to the home of “Little Women.” (ChicagoPhotographer/Shutterstock.com)
are delighted by the story feel a personal connection to the site where the characters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy played, prayed and delighted in the world of girlhood.
“People relate to the story in varying degrees and it’s amazing to see the impact that the book and Orchard House have on people,” Turnquist said.
“We get visitors from all over the world looking to connect to the writer who brought this amazing story to life.”
The grounds of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House feature a wooden barn off to one side, with a pathway along a garden.
(Rachel Rose Boucher/Shutterstock.com)
30%
A team from the University of Pennsylvania replaced the use of cement by 30% for its floor 3D printing concrete alternative tests. With the combination of materials, they also saw a 142% increase in carbon dioxide capture compared to traditional concrete.
Learn about the University of Pennsylvania’s research on page 22.
$20 million
The city of Brownsville, Texas, used $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to install 100 miles of fiber optics infrastructure in place. This infrastructure has helped the city develop its own 5G network to solve spotty coverage.
Read about Brownsville’s tremendous efforts on page 18.
33,000
Meno Park, Calif., is using the design framework Geodesign to manage growth, traffic, water supply and quality of life as its 33,000 residents try to accommodate growth while retaining the character of the small city.
Honolulu, Hawaii, cut wait times from six months to two or three days for questions from residents about city licensing requirements, fees and inspections by using platforms powered by artificial intelligence that allow for 24/7 interaction and visibility into the status of applications. Get an overview of how AI streamlines municipal operation.
Technologyfocus on:
16
Sarasota, Fla., has installed automotive vehicle technology that can detect and report a wide range of safety issues at 16 of its 93 intersections.
$15,000
The Lafayette, Tenn., Fire Department received a $15,000 grant from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office to purchase five new thermal imaging cameras. These cameras enabled the department to donate their old devices to neighboring departments who had no or limited access to this life-saving technology.
Learn about the Lafayette Fire Department’s efforts to bring in technology that helps their community on page 26.
The accuracy of call locations is expected to rise to 95% next year when the St. Joseph, Mo., communication center improves software and hardware redundancies and updates the GIS location system — work that will be done thanks to a Next Generation 911 grant.
Find out more about Sarasota’s Smart City program on page 30.
Brownsville builds own cellular network to enhance quality of life
By DENISE FEDOROW | The Municipal
Brownsville, Texas, officials were experiencing spotty cellular and internet connections, so they decided to start their own private 5G wireless network for the city of Brownsville.
Brownsville’s Chief Information Officer Jorge Cardenas said the city is a border town and cellular connection was poor due in part from interference from cellular connections from Mexico.
“My office is two blocks from the border, and we’d get notifications saying, ‘Welcome to Mexico,’ and the cellular service would bounce back and forth from Mexico to the U.S. and that creates problems because of public safety,” he said.
There are three major crossings into Mexico, and Brownsville has to have visibility on the bridges and on streets going to the bridges. He noted that there’s a lot of traffic going back and forth in the morning and at the end of the workday. Cameras are supposed to be providing that visibility; however, they were having trouble getting connected, as were the city’s parking meters. It was also a major problem for the city’s police force.
“We had 200 police cruisers running around the city with poor cellular connection,” he said. “So, we saw a need to build our own private 5G network to alleviate the problems we were having with connectivity.”
First, they had to have the infrastructure. So, in August 2022, the city used $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to install 100 miles of fiber optics infrastructure in place. That project was completed in May 2023. Then it took another $4 million to buy the equipment for the data center for the 5G private wireless connection, and that includes an artificial intelligence factory to give the city real-time analytics. That project started in August 2024, and Brownsville completed the project and implemented the 5G network in March 2025.
The city started with the downtown area, including four public parks. According to an
The city of Brownsville installed 5G wireless service in four of the city’s public parks. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
Fiber optic lines were installed in Brownsville, Texas, prior to implementing its private 5G wireless service. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
article in Computer Weekly from Sept. 3, 2024, that also includes the department of public works and an airport.
Benefits for residents and businesses
Cardenas said that having the ability to see what is happening on their streets is a big plus for public safety.
“If you’re driving down the street with your kids in the car and you see a car driving down the street going the wrong way, you don’t have to worry about it because you know we have proactive measures to stop that,” he said as an example.
The reaction time for public safety is a key factor as first responders can provide service faster, “to give people peace of mind and maybe, with proactive measures in place, save a life.”
“Ambulances can be deployed faster. Before anyone even calls us, we know the location of an accident and can see what’s happening before the police get there. Now that communication is better, it can save the lives of the police, too, as they’re better prepared for what they may be getting into,” he said.
Workers installed large fiber optic rings in the downtown area of Brownsville, Texas, as part of the city’s efforts to create its own 5G network. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
It also enhances the quality of life for residents by providing free Wi-Fi in the public parks downtown.
“Now they can watch their kids play and connect to the free Wi-Fi, or the kids can be out in the open air and connect to do homework,” Cardenas said.
Brownsville has a lot of farm markets downtown, and now vendors can connect to Wi-Fi so they can accept cards or pay apps for payment, where before they could only take cash because they couldn’t trust the connection. “Now they can bring those organic products into town to sell.”
That’s also a benefit to the First Friday events, where downtown businesses would set up outside and other vendors would come into town, too, to sell their items but often got frustrated with the poor connectivity. “Now people are more willing to come knowing they won’t have those problems,” Cardenas said.
He cited both events as helping the city’s economic development. Additionally, bigger companies are coming into Brownsville now, knowing the fiber optic infrastructure exists. They have a SpaceX Starbase Complex nearby, the Texas LNG export facility and the Port of Brownsville, as well as the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.
“The city just announced an 800-acre technology park, and now Amazon wants to bring a distribution center here because they know
we have the infrastructure. Now technology is the spine of any operation,” he said.
Crowd monitoring and privacy concerns
The city can also provide real-time crowd monitoring. Cardenas said Brownsville holds a lot of large events downtown, and with this new technology, the city can provide the police department with real-life, real-time analytics. He shared some scenarios that they demonstrated at a recent meeting, including if you have people monitoring crowds, “with a set of eyes, when there’s so many people, everything starts to look the same. But with AI technology, we tested it, and it will detect anything a bat or a knife things the naked eye can’t see. We had a meeting yesterday at the AI factory, and it studies psychology and behavior. Whether there’s aggressive behavior or something that could become aggressive, it will point those things out. That’s a whole other level,” he said. “And back to quality of life, what if you don’t have to worry about those things when you’re out in a crowd? I feel a lot safer knowing those capabilities are available.”
When asked about privacy concerns, he admitted it can always be a concern with AI, but the city’s cameras do not do facial recognition. “We monitor speed, parking in the wrong place, things like that. The cameras are not pointed at a building; they’re (pointed) at streets and intersections.”
Second phase
Cardenas said the city is getting ready to start the second phase of the project. It recently held a groundbreaking for a new public safety complex for police, fire, emergency management and an IT department with a cyber security lab. The goal with the second phase is to deploy the 5G network to the rest of the city, “with the same concept to provide wireless connectivity to any device.”
Brownsville received a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to improve transportation. Cardenas noted, “They’ll have wireless connectivity at every intersection and synchronize traffic lights in every corridor so there’ll be better traffic flow. There will be cameras at every intersection to improve traffic flow, and every intersection will have cameras, which will hopefully prevent accidents, and there will be weather sensors, as flooding is a concern.”
The city of Brownsville is also building a tech lab at the central library, “so people can come in and look at how we did it,” he said.
Officials have also invited any company that has integrated 5G into its business. These companies can then showcase how they did so while also bringing a display.
Cardenas said the feedback from residents has been positive. Brownsville has received a lot of thanks from the public for providing free Wi-Fi in public spaces. He said the city also had a public event where it gave 320 families free laptops. “We’ve been hearing a lot of thank you for doing this for us,” he said.
In 2014 and 2017, Cardenas added, “Brownsville was the worstconnected city in the nation. Now we’ve provided all these benefits to the community, and they can see it and utilize it.”
There were no major challenges with the project other than the usual back orders or weather disruptions.
“It was a typical project: it was well-planned; we didn’t go over budget; (and) it’s working. It’s a proven concept,” he said.
This is the area where the private 5G wireless service was first implemented in Brownsville. The city is now implementing the second phase to provide the service to the rest of the city. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
Spotty service and interference from nearby Mexico’s cellular providers inspired Brownsville to build its own private 5G wireless connections. Pictured is a 5G wireless tower in the city. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
The city is seeing savings since it’s not paying anyone for cellular service. He said Brownsville has over 100 cameras, and the police and Federal Bureau of Investigation are getting feeds from the city. It’s also saving on labor for the police officers as the system can write reports, something officers would spend hours doing.
They’re no longer having issues with interference from Mexico’s cellular providers. Cardenas concluded, “Now, since we’ve deployed it, it’s very stable.”
This building, the Ringgold Civic Pavilion in Brownsville, has benefited from the private 5G wireless service. (Photo provided by Brownsville, Texas)
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New design using 3D printing with diatomaceous earth helps reduce waste and carbon emissions
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
A collaborative team from the University of Pennsylvania has been working on concrete fabrication to make it more energy efficient. It is made up of civil engineers, architects, designers, material scientists and building firms. The team has been working on the design using 3D printing. In order to also help reduce carbon emissions, the team turned to the use of diatomaceous earth to help absorb carbon emissions. While the product has been extremely productive on a small scale, it is now being constructed and tested on a larger scale so it can then have real-world applications, particularly in roadways and buildings.
Shu Yang and her team, along with the collaborative team, began working on the floor of buildings with 3D printing because of the floor’s critical nature for the mechanical stress of the overall building, transporting heat and air throughout the building and acting as a bridge between multiple levels of a building. Using a 3D printer helps to reduce
the waste of materials. In a typical construction project, concrete has to be poured into scaffolding. 3D printing does not need scaffolds.
“3D printing itself is mind-changing in how to construct a building,” Shu Yang, University of Pennsylvania Joseph Bordogna Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and
ABOVE: Using diatomaceous earth in the concrete helps to limit the amount of cement necessary, which greatly reduces the amount of carbon emissions. The diatomaceous earth is also porous, allowing it to capture significantly more carbon dioxide than traditional concrete using cement. (Photo provided by the University of Pennsylvania)
Department of Materials Science and Engineering chair, stated. “Normally, you have a scaffold you have to remove. With 3D printing, you don’t have to use them and can make the material as you wish. You can assemble them together as you want to use them, and it gives you more freedom in assembling a home. If you have a concrete printer, you can print materials on-site.”
The design of the floor utilizes the geometrical and porous structure of bridges. The team could not have the new material sacrifice the mechanical integrity. It is created
in segments and then sealed together to create a larger piece. With solid concrete using cement, the carbon dioxide goes into the pores and cannot penetrate, limiting the absorption. With the 3D printed design with the diatomaceous earth, the carbon dioxide can go into the geometrical beams and be absorbed. The high curvature of the design helps to make the floor self-supporting. It is also lighter in weight than the use of cement.
Searching for an alternative to cement is important when looking to move toward being carbon neutral. The production of cement is responsible for 8% of the Earth’s carbon emissions. When looking into 3D printing as a way to reduce carbon emissions, the team had a variety of choices. However, they needed an inorganic material that could not swell to increase volume and was cheap enough to be a cost-effective alternative to concrete and maintain the necessary mechanical strength. Diatomaceous earth is a porous material that is both cheap and abundant. The nano to micro porosity helps to absorb both water and carbon dioxide. It can also be easily purchased from Amazon, Home Depot or many other stores.
The team could replace the cement by 30% and, with the combination of materials, it resulted in a 142% increase in carbon dioxide capture compared with traditional concrete. Testing has been done in the lab on the centimeter scale. Civil engineers are currently replicating the design on the meter scale with a 3D printer, and there is still more mechanical testing to do on the building scale. Architects are testing temperature sensors to assess how the design changes will affect airflow and temperature. While the use of diatomaceous earth is slightly more expensive than traditional concrete, the team has seen that they have been able to break even or even be slightly cheaper with the additional benefits.
While working to make concrete fabrication more energy efficient, a team from the University of Pennsylvania began using a 3D concrete printer. The team began working on a design for the floor of buildings since it bridges various levels, holds a great deal of the mechanical stress and helps to transport heat and air. (Photo provided by the University of Pennsylvania)
The use of a 3D concrete printer greatly reduces the amount of waste when building. Concrete would no longer need to be poured into scaffolds and pieces could potentially be printed on site with more freedom in how the building could be assembled. (Photo provided by the University of Pennsylvania)
RIGHT: The ability to use a 3D printer for building and the addition of diatomaceous earth to limit cement in concrete production has significant real-world applications. It could revolutionize how buildings are created. It could also be used in roadways. (Photo provided by the University of Pennsylvania)
Lafayette Fire Department invests in life-saving thermal cameras
Lafayette Fire Department symbol (Photos provided by Lafayette Fire Department)
By DANIELLE LUND | The Municipal
The Lafayette, Tenn., Fire Department is putting new life-saving technology into the hands of its own firefighters, while also ensuring that two neighboring communities have access to the same critical tools. Through a recent state grant, the department purchased five new thermal imaging cameras, giving crews sharper vision in emergencies where every second counts.
Fire Chief Todd Wagoner discussed how the new technology represents both a step forward in safety and an opportunity to support their neighbors. “The cameras we had still worked, but the battery life was getting shorter than it should be,” Wagoner said. “We were going to have to purchase new batteries, and instead we were able to apply for a grant and get completely new cameras. That allowed us to donate our older cameras to departments that had only one, or none at all.”
The new cameras were made possible through the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office equipment grant program. This program prioritizes high-need equipment, such as air packs, turnout gear, radios and thermal imaging cameras, all of which are considered essential to firefighter training and safety. Chief Wagoner applied in 2023 and received partial funding for gear and air packs. This year, Wagoner said, the state placed heavy emphasis on radios and thermal cameras, awarding Lafayette a $15,000 grant to purchase five new devices.
With the grant, the department could place a camera on every engine and its ladder truck, ensuring that crews always have the equipment available when responding to calls.
Thermal imaging cameras have transformed the way fire departments approach emergencies. By detecting heat signatures, the devices allow firefighters to see through heavy smoke, locate fire behind walls and, most importantly, identify victims who may be trapped or unconscious.
“Search and rescue in a house fire is one of the biggest advantages of this equipment,” Wagoner explained. “If you have a smoke-filled room you can’t see through, the camera works through the heat signatures. You can see both the fire and a victim because of the temperature difference. That can be the difference between life and death.”
The cameras also provide valuable information during less obvious emergencies. Wagoner noted that crews are often dispatched to investigate reports of smoke odors. Rather than cutting into walls blindly, firefighters can now use the cameras to pinpoint potential hot spots. The technology can also be deployed in hazardous material incidents, such as gas leaks or chemical spills, to identify dangerous reactions before crews enter an area.
“Just being able to preview an area before walking into it adds another level of safety for our crews,” Wagoner said. “And it gives us a stronger visual of what we’re dealing with.”
While Lafayette’s older cameras were becoming less reliable due to battery issues, they were still in excellent working condition. Wagoner said the department donated three cameras to nearby fire
Lafayette, Tenn., Fire Department purchased five new thermal imaging cameras with a $15,000 grant. After getting these devices, the department could donate its older models to neighboring departments that had none or one. (Photo provided by Lafayette Fire Department)
departments in Red Boiling Springs and Willette, which had limited or no access to the life-saving technology.
“One of the departments didn’t have any cameras at all, and another only had one,” he explained. “Now, those two areas have two cameras each. The worst-case scenario for them is that they’ll need to buy new batteries, which cost about $300 for a pair. But that’s a small price for equipment that can save lives.”
In smaller communities, donations like these make a significant difference. Many departments operate with tight budgets, relying heavily on grants, community fundraising and shared resources. By passing along its older cameras, Lafayette strengthened regional response capabilities, also helping to ensure that more firefighters in surrounding towns can work safely and effectively.
While new thermal imaging cameras mark a major step forward, the Lafayette Fire Department isn’t stopping there. Wagoner said the department has already applied for additional grants aimed at expanding both firefighter training and community education.
Among the requests are new CPR mannequins and automated external defibrillator trainers. The updated equipment would include real-time feedback features, allowing trainees to see whether compressions are being performed correctly and at the right depth and speed. That kind of immediate data, Wagoner said, is invaluable for both firefighters and community members learning lifesaving skills.
The department has also applied for funding to purchase an automated fire extinguisher training prop. Unlike traditional fire extinguisher training, which requires live flames and chemical spray, the new system uses sensors and simulation to create a realistic but controlled training environment.
“That’s something we could take out to local businesses or even host at the station on a Saturday,” Wagoner said. “Employees could practice using an extinguisher without the mess or the risk, and it could all be done indoors. It’s about making safety training more accessible to the community.”
For Wagoner, investing in technology is not only about improving his own department’s
capabilities but also about strengthening the region as a whole. Firefighting is inherently dangerous work, and tools like thermal cameras and modern training equipment give firefighters the edge they need to respond more effectively.
“It’s not just about what we bring into the department. It’s about what we can share with the community,” Wagoner said. “Whether that’s lending technology, training with local businesses or hosting public safety classes, it’s all about making sure people are safer at the end of the day.”
With new thermal imaging cameras now riding on every Lafayette fire truck, and additional grant applications in progress, the department is embracing a forward-looking approach that combines cutting-edge technology with a deep sense of responsibility to its neighbors.
As Wagoner put it: “When you invest in this kind of equipment, you’re not just investing in the fire department. You’re investing in the safety of the entire community.”
Thermal imaging cameras provide an edge for firefighters, particularly in house fires. Even when faced with limited visibility, the cameras will allow firefighters to see victims. (Photo provided by Lafayette Fire Department)
• Minimize/Eliminate rod scoring
• Extend the life of cylinder seals
• Protects cylinders from the elements
• Prevent pitting due to chemical washers
• Reduce particle contamination of hydraulic systems
• Minimize dings and dents associated with falling debris
Distance Measuring Instrument
Innovative initiative: Sarasota’s Smart City garners recognition
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
It’s a question that city governments ask themselves every day: How can we do more with less?
For Sarasota, Fla., the answer is its Smart City Initiative, which helps the diverse community of 55,000 achieve resilience, increase connectivity and invest in innovative technology that will improve its residents’ quality of life.
Adopted as part of the city’s 2021 strategic plan, the Sarasota Smart City initiative is a multifaceted program that was approved by the city commission and made possible by a grant with the Florida Department of Transportation. Several strategic partnerships also set Sarasota up for success.
“By leveraging these partnerships and utilizing technology, we can be more strategic about how we get things done,” said Sarasota city engineer Nikesh Patel. “Yes, there is a cost to implementing the Smart City initiative, but long-term it saves us a lot of time and effort.”
Data-driven solutions
The first component of Sarasota’s Smart City program is the connected automotive vehicle technology that can detect and report a wide range of safety issues while also collecting quality data about usage and traffic patterns. Installed at 16 of Sarasota’s 93 intersections, the system not only communicates with newer vehicles and lets drivers know when a pedestrian is crossing the road, but it can also offer the city insights that traffic engineers can use to make improvements. It’s not Big Brother watching, but a way to improve traffic conditions so that the city can reduce the number of crashes and injuries.
“It’s really AI for traffic signals,” Patel said. “We can see how many vehicles and bicycles went through, how many pedestrians crossed, lane departure issues and what some of the
In April, the city of Sarasota was recognized with a Smart 20 award from Smart Cities Connect at its annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo provided by Sarasota, Fla.)
This map shows the intersections where Sarasota’s connected automotive vehicle technology is installed to help mitigate traffic issues and plan for improvements. The technology is part of Sarasota’s Smart City initiative. (Photo provided by Sarasota, Fla.)
safety issues are so that we can make the necessary operational improvements.”
Like most other coastal communities, Sarasota’s beaches are a big draw, so they partnered with Mote Marine Laboratories to provide folks with Mote’s red tide monitoring system and real-time beach conditions, such as weather, surf and crowd size. By visiting Mote’s www.visitbeaches.org website, users can access data from up to 17 locations within the city limits before they catch some waves. Finally, to promote equitable access to internet services, Sarasota installed free high-speed Wi-Fi at four municipal parks Arlington Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Payne Park and Bayfront Park. Patel said that this access has proven to be very beneficial to the community, especially in 2024 when the area was hit by four hurricanes, resulting in power outages and lost Internet connections.
“Some of these people work remotely, and they were able to continue communicating with others because they were able to access the free internet in the park,” he said.
Results and recognition
Naturally, a Smart City initiative is not without its challenges. Patel said that when Sarasota started its pilot project, the city had its funding in place and chose proven technologies that could ensure reliable data.
“If you can’t show end results, then you won’t get additional funding,” he said. “It’s also really important to have good partnerships throughout the city so that you can leverage existing technology for a lot less than the cost of development.”
Sarasota’s Smart City initiative has been recognized with several awards, the 2025 “Build a Better Mousetrap” Award in the SMART Technology category from the Florida Local Technical Assistance Program; the 2024-2025 Local/State Agency Collaboration Project of the Year Award from the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents; and the Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect. The latter recognizes the 20 most transformative smart projects each year and has entries from cities in the U.S. and all around the world.
“The recognition is nice, but it’s really about being able to share best practices with other communities so that they, too, can implement something like this (program) at a reasonable cost to their community,” he said.
With less staff and resources plaguing every local government, Patel said data-driven initiatives and technology can help municipalities get things done systematically, but it is important for them to do research and look before they leap.
The city of Sarasota installed high-speed internet at four local parks to ensure equitable access to connectivity. This amenity is especially handy during hurricane season when remote workers suffered power outages and had to go to the parks in order to communicate with clients and colleagues. (Photo provided by Sarasota, Fla.)
This image highlights an area where illegal street crossings are an issue. The connected automotive vehicle technology helps the city of Sarasota, Fla., identify these issues so that they can be mitigated with future improvements. (Photo provided by Sarasota, Fla.)
“Leverage the skill sets and trial-and-error process of your partners. Talk to communities that have done this before and then take calculated risks to implement these things in your city,” he said.
Durham’s Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (H.E.A.R.T.) launched in June 2022. These teams address nonviolent crises with specialized responders. (Photo provided by Durham, N.C.)
DCSD plans to expand H.E.A.R.T. to operate 24/7 and address gaps in housing and mental health services.
Durham, N.C.’s, H.E.A.R.T. program offers an alternative model for public safety
By LAUREN CAGGIANO | The Municipal
Following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, many cities across the United States took bold steps to rethink public safety. Durham, N.C., was among them. Since that watershed moment, the city has redefined how it responds to 911 calls, focusing on holistic and empathetic solutions for nonviolent crises.
Enter Durham’s Community Safety Department, established in July 2021.
As of July 2025, the department is organized into two direct service divisions: 911 crisis response and stabilization services. The latter support neighbors navigating housing insecurity, reentry after incarceration, behavioral health needs and other complex life challenges by connecting them to resources and longer-term support.
Led by Director Ryan Smith, the DCSD came out of an objective approach to problem-solving.
“Our city manager at the time partnered with RTI International to conduct a three-year analysis of 911 calls,” he said. “The data showed that while fire, EMS and police were essential for many calls, there was a significant portion of calls that didn’t fit neatly into those categories.”
Per Smith, many 911 calls stemmed from situations like mental health crises, suicidal ideation or even loneliness. These are textbook cases where traditional first responders might not be the best fit.
“We recognized we had a sorting problem,” he said. “We were over-relying on law enforcement because we didn’t have a fourth bucket responders like social workers or peer support specialists.”
This conclusion led to the creation of the Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams (H.E.A.R.T.), which launched in June 2022.
H.E.A.R.T. is a multi-faceted program designed to address non-violent crises with specialized responders. The program includes four key components: crisis call diversion, community response teams, co-response units and care navigation.
One major defining feature of H.E.A.R.T. is that it embeds licensed clinical social workers directly in the 911 call center. According to Smith, sometimes situations can be resolved over the phone without dispatching law enforcement. At other times, having a mental health professional on the line while dispatching other responders can lead to better outcomes for all parties.
The Community Response Teams, which often make headlines, consist of social workers, peer support specialists and EMTs. These teams handle calls involving mental health crises, welfare checks and nonviolent trespassing, among others.
“We’re sending social workers to calls we used to send police to,” Smith said. “This frees up law enforcement to focus on violent crime and other priorities.”
Based on how callers respond to a prescribed list of questions, the 911 system labels the call type and then recommends the appropriate response, whether it be police, fire, emergency medical services or mental health. DCSD also relies on clinical management software, which facilitates data sharing with limits to protect privacy.
Since its launch, H.E.A.R.T. has responded to more than 32,000 calls without a single injury to responders, Smith said. Police backup is required in less than 0.5% of cases. Responders reported feeling safe more than 99% of the time. Additionally, the program has saved law enforcement more than 8,000 hours of response time in the past year alone.
Initially met with skepticism, the program has gained significant support from law enforcement. Most officers have since changed their tune, even asking about the possibility of additional H.E.A.R.T. units.
“When (DCSD was) created, law enforcement thought this was a bad idea,” Smith said. “But now, 94% of officers surveyed view H.E.A.R.T. as helpful for mental health calls.”
Durham’s approach has inspired other cities, but Smith emphasized the importance of tailoring programs to local needs. His team was inspired by the work of teams in cities like Albuquerque, Denver and San Francisco, he said. They also devoted almost a year to planning, running workshops and learning from their own data to ensure the program fit Durham’s unique challenges.
Looking ahead, the DCSD plans to expand H.E.A.R.T. to operate 24/7 and address gaps in housing and mental health services.
“Our shelters are at capacity, and we have long waitlists,” Smith said. “We’re now the lead agency for homeless services in Durham County, and we’re working on a strategic plan to address these gaps.”
Smith believes Durham’s success lies in its commitment to learning and iteration. His team has embraced what he refers to as “a culture of change.” That said, they take care to regularly evaluate the data and make necessary adjustments to improve the program.
For those interested in learning more, Smith recommends the awardwinning podcast The Fifth Branch. This special series by Tradeoffs and The Marshall Project provides an in-depth look at H.E.A.R.T.’s operations.
“It’s some of the best journalism on this subject,” he said. “It really captures what we’re trying to do here.”
Director Ryan Smith, Durham Community Safety Department
Durham, N.C., uses 911 technology to help determine which branch of its Community Safety Department responds to a call. (Photo provided by Durham, N.C.)
Land of endless interests: St. Louis, Mo.
By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal
If the only thing a person thinks of when St. Louis, Mo., is mentioned is the 1904 World’s Fair and the movie and song about it, it’s time to take a deeper look.
The St. Louis metropolitan area or “Mo” as many of the natives love to say is the 19th largest in the U.S. It has a population of nearly 2.8 million people; the city of St. Louis has a population of about 320,000 and was founded in 1764 by Pierre Laclede, a fur trader and merchant from New Orleans. To honor Louis XV of France, he named the city for his patron saint, Louis IX.
Among St. Louis’ other assets, America’s Center Convention Complex in the heart of the city was voted Best Convention Center in the Midwest in 2022. The enormous complex incorporates 2.2 million square feet of total space, of which 574,000 is contiguous exhibit space; it contains a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, 67,000-seat domed stadium, 1,400-seat theater, 95 versatile meeting rooms, almost 8,000 hotel rooms and a 40-bed culinary garden. The domed stadium can transform from an exhibition hall to a sports stadium to the perfect setting for a concert in no time at all, so it has played host to everything from GalaxyCon to Gateway Dirt Nationals to bridal expos, just to name a few events.
ABOVE: Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mo., is an emblem of the Midwestern city. The weighted catenary arch is 630 feet tall: It was built as a monument to westward expansion and dedicated to the American people.
While at such an event, patrons can choose to dine at interestingly named restaurants such as The Aubergine Cafe, Rooster, Sauce on the Side, Snarf’s Sandwiches and Sugarfire Smoke House, all of which have menus that are varied and flavorful. A short walk away are even more eating establishments, including Burger 809, Pharoah’s Donuts, Rosalita’s Cantina, Sushi Ai, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Old Spaghetti Factory and a Gordon Ramsay restaurant named Ramsay’s Kitchen.
There is, of course, a lot more to do at America’s Center Convention Complex than eat. Check out the Zack Theatre, open since 2016 and offering plays, musicals, film screenings, concerts and more from local artists as well as touring artists and organizations. It is also home to the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, also called the Black Rep, which will celebrate 50 years in 2026, and The Fabulous Fox Theatre — that name alone draws people in. Or, if burlesque is their taste, visitors can buy tickets to a show at The Boom Boom Room or The Grandel performing arts center, both of which are nearby.
Those who like outdoor theatre may be interested in visiting The Muny, located in Forest Park. It is the oldest and largest outdoor musical theater venue in the U.S. and has been presenting productions for more than 105 seasons. The Muny offers nearly 1,500 free seats for its summer theater productions and also hosts a Shakespeare festival in the summer.
Also among St. Louis’ outdoor activities is Adventure Valley Paintball Park, which features six playing fields and two woodsball fields, as well as two ziplines and room for scenario play. Players can shoot each other from the air or the ground it’s their call. For a more interesting activity, there’s Adventures of Intrigue, the only open concept escape room site in the Midwest. It features interactive, freewandering adventures with puzzles and clue finding and is suitable for all ages.
Anyone who grew up with a secret desire to run away and join the circus may be intrigued by Circus Harmony, St. Louis’ only school with preschool to professional-level circus training. There are onetime workshops and ongoing classes, and advanced students present more than 500 shows a year at City Museum and at private parties or events.
For residents and visitors who enjoy natural beauty and animal life, St. Louis offers the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, the Endangered Wolf Center and the Saint Louis Zoo, as well as visitor-friendly farms. Brookdale Farms, all 280 acres of it, offers fall festivals and countless things to do for the entire family. There’s also Forest Park, which is almost 500 acres larger than New York’s Central Park and features forests, woodlands, wetlands, tallgrass prairies and savannas. Additionally, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is 4,300 acres in size and allows for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and bird watching.
Anyone who enjoys museums and other historical attractions and activities, should add Mastodon State Historic Site to their list when in St. Louis. Dedicated to Missouri’s ice age, the museum features exhibits of extinct animals and the Native Americans who hunted them more than 10,000 years ago. The Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos house a collection of multi-colored rock grottos, and the National Blues Museum is a place to immerse oneself in the genre considered the foundation of all modern American music.
The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, whose name is selfexplanatory, celebrates stadiums, players, championship moments and one of the world’s largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia. Fun for residents and visitors alike is the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum; the collection includes military telephones and others from the late 1800s to 2012. There is an impressive display of novelty phones and even a telephone pole complete with climbing equipment.
History aficionados can also visit the Missouri History Museum and the Missouri Civil War Museum, as well as Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico — or the Calvary Cemetery, where you’ll see the gravesites of Tennessee Williams, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and Dred Scott. In addition, there are some significant private mausoleums and monuments including that of the Nez Perce, who came to St. Louis in 1831 to visit William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame.
For those who want something completely different, there is the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. Joplin’s ragtime music, like “The Maple Leaf Rag,” and “The Entertainer,” can be heard there on
The Missouri History Museum was built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson and features an elaborate experience of the 1904 World’s Fair, as well as other displays of American historical relevance. Pictured is a meticulously restored McCabe Powers Carriage from the museum’s collection.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Forest Park in St. Louis is almost 500 acres larger than New York’s Central Park and features forests, woodlands, wetlands, tallgrass prairies and savannas.
an authentic player piano. The attraction looks just as it did in 1902 when Joplin and his first wife lived there the home features original furnishings, even the same gas lamps.
St. Louis is home to four major universities: the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Washington University. There are other colleges and junior colleges, too.
Business and industry have a solid place in St. Louis, too: The city is the home of Wells Fargo Advisors, Edward Jones, Scottrade and other companies, including Boeing Defense, Space and Security, the second largest defense contractor in the world.
Perhaps one of best-known industries in St. Louis is beer: AnheuserBusch brands like Budweiser and Michelob Ultra are located in the city, along with a variety of craft beer makers. Budweiser is the
America’s Center Convention Complex in the heart of the city incorporates 2.2 million square feet of total space consisting of 574,000 feet of contiguous exhibit space, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, 67,000-seat domed stadium, 1,400-seat theater, 95 versatile meeting rooms, almost 8,000 hotel rooms and a 40-bed culinary garden.
official beer of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales are a sight to behold, especially up close and personal.
Of course, St. Louis may be the most famous for the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument. The instantly recognizable shape is a weighted catenary arch and is the world’s tallest arch. It was built as a monument to westward expansion, dedicated to the American people. The museum at the arch features six interactive galleries explaining more than 200 years of St. Louis history.
There are many memorials around town, The Freedom Suits Memorial is a tribute to more than 300 enslaved men and women who sued their owners. The names of every one of them are shown on the sculpture.
Equally important is the Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1874 as the first commercial nonsectarian cemetery for African Americans. More than 50,000 people are buried there — Civil Rights activists and teachers as well as Buffalo Soldiers. While the cemetery has experienced neglect and vandalism over the years, the Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association intends to restore the significant site.
Also of interest is the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing. Mary and her husband were abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people. The site is the location of the most welldocumented escape in Missouri and is now recognized as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Every year there is a reenactment at the site of the May 21, 1855, escape attempt where four former slaves escaped and five were caught; Mary was arrested and imprisoned for her role.
When renovations are completed, people can learn about the old courthouse downtown, where the Dred Scott and Harriet Scott cases were first heard. There will be an exhibition called “Dred Scott: A Legacy of Courage” when the reopening occurs.
There are so many things to see and do in this historic town that visitors from out of town and visitors in their own hometown alike will be tempted to spend more time than they originally intended exploring the sites of St. Louis and return again and again.
Jackson, Miss., connects with record numbers at Youth Citizen Police Academy
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
A Youth Citizen Police Academy summer camp run by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department just completed its third year. Participation numbers have grown steadily for the program, and this year saw a new record number of young people participating.
The idea originated with a former captain and is now spearheaded by Captain Christian Vance, director of training for the department. Vance is in charge of leading other community initiatives as well, including other youth programs and community wellness fairs.
The department has a clergy police academy in place, where members of the clergy are given the opportunity to meet people in the department and see how the department is run. There is a citizen police academy that gives the same opportunity to citizens. However, at one point, local law enforcement leadership realized that the department was missing the youth component.
In order to coordinate with school schedules, they knew any youth program would
have to take place during the summer months.
“It was born from a desire to impact the youth and the way they see us — as more than just police officers,” Vance described. The academy is chaperoned and taught by officers themselves.
The Youth Citizen Police Academy is designed for kids and teenagers aged 5 to 17. It takes place over a 60-day span in the months of June and July. Each session takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are four weeklong camp sessions, which are completely free.
With each session, the classes get bigger and bigger. New kids join each session, and those who took part in the previous session typically want to participate in the rest of the
ABOVE: The department does a variety of fundraising and procuring donations throughout the year to prepare for the youth academy every summer. Community involvement is also important to making it a reality with the clergy donating time, transportation and snacks as well as other organizations and businesses providing educational resources for the children.
(Photo provided by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department)
sessions as well. “My own children get so excited about it,” Vance admitted.
Parents can sign their children up prior to the camp’s start, or they can sign them up on the first day. There are no qualifications to participate, and the officers do not turn any child away — nor do they foresee ever putting a limit on the number of children allowed to participate.
Throughout the camp, the department works on various life skills and topics including bullying, team building and self-esteem. These lessons are transferable throughout
This is the third year for the Jackson, Miss., Youth Citizen Police Academy summer program, and it graduated record numbers from its class. The program has four weeklong sessions throughout June and July that are free for resident youth ages 5 to 17. (Photo provided by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department)
the participants’ life, whether at school or home. The lessons learned include healthy eating, conflict resolution, being a good teammate and dealing with bullying.
There are field trips as an added incentive. The academy visits the art museum, city pool, campground, roller skating rink, bowling alley and Spinners, a local arcade and bowling alley with a variety of activities.
Because the officers know the event is coming each summer, they pre-plan to keep the academy completely free. The department pulls in resources and officers from their primary duties for a certain amount of time and, for those several weeks, prioritizes the community’s children.
They also utilize members of the clergy, who add support by acting as chaperones and providing resources such as transportation, food and snacks. Other stakeholders and organizations are also instrumental: Foot Print Farms and the art museum make themselves available as field trip destinations and provide learning opportunities for the participants. This community buy-in helps the program to run smoothly. The department works to ensure the necessary donations and funds are collected throughout the year, so everything is prepared for the academy in the summer.
The police department had previously had a clergy police academy and citizen police academy, but it was missing the youth component. The department realized how important it is to impact the youth and help provide them with skills to be used throughout their lives. (Photo provided by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department)
The academy opportunities for clergy, citizens and children help to create a positive, transparent relationship with the police department by providing both a teaching and bonding opportunity with the community.
“Sowing these seeds in the community right now, with the youth, is just as important as anything else we can do day-to-day or in our overall mission,” Vance emphasized.
Youth Citizen Police Academy participants go on multiple field trips to the art museum, city pool, bowling or roller skating.
(Photo provided by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department)
Scranton, Pa., commits to ongoing funding of veterans’ programs
By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal
What is called Veterans Day on the calendar was once known as Armistice Day. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
ABOVE: Recipients of the city of Scranton’s 2025 veterans’ grants join Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, third row, center, at an announcement at American Legion Connolly Post 568 in May 2025. (Photos provided by Scranton, Pa.
On June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor U.S. veterans of all wars. Later that same year, on Oct. 8, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation,” which stated: “In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all
Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
Keeping that solemn history in mind, in May, the city of Scranton, Pa., again announced $100,000 in grants that would be divided among eight veterans’ organizations. Each appears well-deserved and has solid plans for good use. The grants are part of the city’s budget, and the line item has doubled over the past three years, expanding to help even more organizations.
The American Legion Post No. 568 received $20,000 to make renovations to its hall and to add ADA-compliant seating. A $5,000 grant went to buy new flags and fix up Veterans Memorial Park in Scranton, just to name two of the allocations.
Mayor Paige Cognetti was happy to explain in greater detail.
“We’ve been running this grant program throughout my entire tenure, which began in January 2020. It has evolved through the years, and now we can go beyond brick and mortar, such as the American Legion and the VFW. We still support them, but now we have so much more to offer when it comes to helping veterans strength training, coping with PTSD, food insecurity and homelessness and addressing housing in the form of rentals. We want to keep people together and connected to all the other forms of available help.”
How was it determined which organizations would get the funds, and how much?
Cognetti said, “We have an application process, and the team puts together substantial ideas. In a small town, we know the good work that some of these applicants are doing. It’s harder to fund outside of the city, but there are some funds allocated that way, too.”
And do the same organizations get funds each year?
“We often fund some new organizations every year or even several years in a row. We build relationships, so we can get over the hump and offer services,” Cognetti added. “It gives us more insight and helps others understand what the needs of our veterans are. Over time, we’ve been able to help fund traditional projects and the brick-and-mortar ones as well.
“This is from our operating budget, and the city council is very supportive of it every year. We offer it broadly, which is very important, and getting to know the service providers is equally important.”
For families of service members, there is a desire to start a kitchen for serving funerals and other services. “We really focus on our veterans, honor them,” Cognetti said.
Indeed they do. In September, a World War II veteran was brought home. Seaman Second Class Jerome Mullaney’s remains had been missing for over 80 years. Rear Admiral Faehnle Mullaney attended the repatriation ceremony, along with Mullaney’s nieces and nephews. He received the Purple Heart medal posthumously for his contributions during the war. The ceremony was solemn and respectful.
Mayor Cognetti is especially proud of the Veterans Memorial, located at an intersection by the high school. “It is really spectacular. It contains all the names of the fallen servicemen, and we have a ceremony every year there. The kids know it and recognize it as they walk by each day. It’s
Pat Ahern, chairman of the Scranton Veterans Memorial Park, discusses the continued positive impact of the city of Scranton’s veterans’ grant program during the 2025 ceremony.
Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, center, addresses the organizations receiving a total of $100,000 in veterans’ grants from the city of Scranton in May 2025.
not tucked away, but out where people can see it. President Biden has attended in years past because he has a name on that memorial, too, and it was and is important to him.”
Tom Tice, CEO and president of Warrior Strong, said he was happy his organization was granted $25,000. It meant Warrior Strong could hire and train more staff and expand from a few classes a month to classes every day. “The majority went for training fitness instructors, and some went toward equipment,” he said.
“Our facility is literally 100% program, so it also helped to cover the cost of that. We have programs that have gone from three or four times a week to seven and eight. We have the Fight Club, where boxing instructors teach pushing the body through stress. Dealing with aggression in a fight with only yourself is very beneficial, because it gives a couple of outlets and physical and mental health both lead to clarity.” Yoga is also offered sunrise and restorative flows, “Metal Monday” and “Peaceful Warrior” along with circuit training workouts, breathwork, meditation and adaptive fitness programs. These kinds of exercise, both physical
and mental, do a lot for easing anger or depression and releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals, said Tice.
He knows that veterans often miss the close connections they’ve formed while serving together. “The final piece of all this is that you build connections with your community, kind of like what you might have had before and what you might be missing now. We want to help veterans and their families have a better quality of life — to not be just existing but really living.”
Tice is not a veteran himself. “I started my involvement in 2017 with a buddy in the Marines. I was working with the Army as a civilian when the idea hit me. We started with one class and now we have 80, all at no cost. I am talking zero dollars for everything we offer, and we exist in more than 20 states, in person or online because some veterans don’t have a car or cannot drive. So, we bring it to them in their own way, a way that works comfortably.”
What were the initial reactions of the clients to the grant?
“Our programs have definitely grown. We offer more classes, and our attendance has also grown. We might have previously had just one person in attendance, but our average size now is seven vets for programs.”
Instead of one class at one time, the facility offers several options. “What if someone couldn’t come at a certain time? They’d miss it altogether.”
With that in mind, Warrior Strong has videos on YouTube, a website and an app. Best of all, Tice said, non-veterans can access those options as well.
Tice, executive director of Warrior Strong, second from left, front, discusses how the organization will utilize its $25,000 in grant funding from the city of Scranton during an awards ceremony in May.
In two years, Tice said he hopes to get a bigger facility something like 5,000 or 6,000 square feet. With so much more space, the possibilities are endless.
Tom
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Several states posed to benefit from Big Sky Passenger Rail
By KATIE GRAHAM | The Municipal
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 when 12 counties in Montana passed a joint resolution. Their vision is to work on improving rail services for agriculture, industry or passenger traffic. This vision is meant to give various benefits not only to Montana but to other northwest states in the region. The counties that signed the resolution include Missoula, Sanders, Butte-Silver Bow, Broadwater, Gallatin, Park, Prairie, Dawson, Wibaux, Jefferson, Granite and Powell. The authority is governed by a board of directors with no fewer than five on the board but potentially as many as one director for each county.
Amtrak used to have a North Coast Amtrak route until 1979. Belgrade, Mont., joined the authority to hopefully work on reestablishing that route. Belgrade became the latest community to join in July 2025. The community hopes the reestablished line will bring economic benefits. As people have
more opportunities to have greater mobility, they have more opportunities to spend money in cities/towns along the stops. Belgrade is already an important transportation center with the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and I-90. If it can add the
A train from the old North Coast Hiawatha line comes into the station at Missoula, Mont., in May 1974. The North Coast Hiawatha was a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak between Chicago, Ill., and Seattle, Wash.; it was discontinued in 1979. (Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)
train route to town, it will gain even more foot traffic.
In a Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority press release, Belgrade City Manager Neil Caldwell said, “We’re proud to partner with BSPRA and contribute to the growing momentum behind the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. Passenger rail offers lasting economic and mobility benefits for our community, and we’re excited to help shape the future of this corridor.”
The North Coast Hiawatha route will be known as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor,
according to the Big Sky Rail Authority website. The route would potentially go from Chicago, Ill., through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, the route would connect smaller towns, Tribal communities, and cities all together.
Those in Billings, Mont., are excited for the possibility. Since the train would allow people to ride from east to west, in April 2025 local Billings news agency, KTVQ, quoted Michelle Williams with the Billings Depot as saying, “It would be an influx of people into our downtown. It would support the walkability, all the businesses, economic development.”
A resident of St. Regis in Montana is quoted in the Daily Montanan as saying that the town flourishes from tourism off of the I-90 route. Having even more arriving via the Big Sky North Coast Corridor would help St. Regis, as well as so many other small towns and tribal communities. That help would arrive in the form of passengers’ purchasing power.
In her letter of support for the Big Sky Passenger Rail, Deer Lodge, Mont., Mayor Diana J. Solle wrote, “Deer Lodge was a railroad center since the beginning of railroads in southern Montana. Nothing better could come back and help Deer Lodge become a Destination Point in our State once again. Historical Deer Lodge should be shared with all. The railroad would entice tourism even more. Of course, we are promoting a quick stop or depot to enable visitors. Also, travel along the rail will make local public transportation a choice for our citizens. The Big Sky Passenger Rail will be a positive for the whole of southern Montana.”
One of the Government Partners Programs includes the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program. The Federal Railroad Administration gives out grant money for the purpose of rail projects, especially those that will repair or rehabilitate various railroad aspects. Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority applied to the Federal Railroad Administration. The FRA Corridor ID Program was given in December 2023.
In her letter, Solle noted, “A grant will assist greatly in gaining a foothold in this modern, needed transportation.”
The first step is a team bringing the plan for the railroad being revitalized to the FRA in the fall of 2025. To develop the plan, the team has been speaking with local
Deer Lodge, Mont., is one community that stands to benefit from increased tourism from the railroad. Pictured is a display of classic cars displayed at the Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex in Deer Lodge. (Eniko Balogh/Shutterstock.com)
The Grant-Kohrs National Historic Site is another site in Deer Lodge, Mont., that could benefit from increased foot traffic. (Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com)
governments, community groups and transportation experts. Work on the plan could happen because of a grant given. The team was led by David Evans and Associates, Quandel Consultants, KLJ Engineering and the Steer Group. They are analyzing existing infrastructure, forecasting the economic impacts and suggesting the final route.
The authority’s goal is to have the Big Sky North Coast Corridor completely operational by the early to mid-2030s. Once the first phase is completed this fall, there are already two more phases planned before completion. Phase two should occur from 2025 to 2028 and will involve completing the overall plan and figuring out a 20% match of funding for planning purposes. State and local governments will be asked for that 20%. Phase three will potentially start in 2028 and involve the engineering and construction planning. The final phase is actually building (or updating and restructuring existing infrastructure). This will require federal funding as the authority has declared state and local governments do not have to be responsible for the overall upkeep and running of the rail system.
As efforts continue, municipalities along the route continue to have high hopes for the restored line. As Kootenai County, Idaho, County Commissioner Chris Fillios noted in his letter of support, “… enhancement and expansion of passenger rail service is critical to our state, region, and nation’s transportation and economic future, and that restoration of the North Coast Hiawatha route is an important and achievable step in that direction.”
Power & Flexibility.
Belgrade, Mont., became the latest city to lend its support to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, which aims to restore the North Coast Hiawatha route as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. (Montanaphotography123/Shutterstock.com)
Destin expands public beach access with shoreline restoration projects
By JANET G. PATTERSON | The Municipal
A beach restoration project in Destin, Fla., is designed to return the natural sugar sand beauty of this Gulf Coast city to residents and visitors.
“Destin’s beaches are the stuff of postcards,” said Tamara L. Young, the city’s public information director. “Powder-white sand that feels like sugar under your feet, water so clear and green it’s nicknamed the Emerald Coast, dunes topped with sea oats and dolphins playing just offshore.”
But some of this beautiful legacy has been denied to potential beachgoers over the years. That is, until Florida Senator Jay Trumbull of Panama City introduced a bill in the state legislature to aid in the reclamation and restoration of those pure quartz beaches.
Trumbull’s “Beach Bill” makes it easier to restore eroded beaches and ensures that new sand from renourishment creates even more public beach, Young added.
ABOVE: One of the attractions of the beaches in Destin, Fla., is the sugary sand that is pure quartz, which remains cool even in the hottest sun. (Photo provided by Destin, Fla.)
Destin is a 7-1/2-square-mile municipality in Okaloosa County, Fla., about 52 miles east of Pensacola and 38 miles west of Panama City Beach. With the Gulf to the south and Choctawhatchee Bay to the north, it is a water lovers’ paradise. It is home to about 14,000 full-time residents, with an estimated peak seasonal population of nearly 100,000 people.
Young noted that families are drawn to Destin for spring break vacations in March and April. The busiest part of the season runs from Memorial Day through August, with July being the peak. Festivals, a “fishing rodeo” and beautiful weather extend the season into October.
Tourism keeps Destin thriving. Providing the infrastructure and services to accommodate thousands of visitors each year is an ongoing challenge, however. According to a city report, during
the summer months, its two small beaches are regularly beyond capacity, with complaints from citizens and visitors about the lack of beach access and disputes between property owners, vendors and visitors.
Young said the initiative to expand access to beaches and return them to a more traditional and natural experience has been a collaborative effort between the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners and the Trust for Public Land.
“We’ve been buying up private beachfront parcels and turning them into public parks. That means more places where anyone not just those staying at a beachfront condo can spread a towel, watch their kids play in the surf or catch a sunset,” Young said.
The first project, which was finished last year, is called the Shore at Crystal Beach Park. Young described the park before the restoration as a small sliver of sand at the end of the road.
With the purchase and clearing of three adjoining properties, however, the park expanded not only the beach but now includes restrooms, showers, parking and picnic spots. The $10 million price tag was split between the city and the county. Young noted that now, instead of “just a narrow strip of sand, people see a wideopen view of the Gulf and have plenty of room to relax.”
The current beach project is Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park, which, she said, “was basically a locals’ secret, with a narrow walkway at the end of a street and no parking, just a bench and a rinse shower.” There was only about 5 feet of beachfront.
The high season in Destin begins in March and April with the arrival of spring-breakers. The season extends into autumn with good weather and festivals that draw crowds to the newly restored beach areas. (Photo provided by Destin, Fla.)
The $16.7 million project, also funded by the city and the county, will create a new Tarpon Beach Park featuring 340 feet of public shoreline, free parking that includes ADA spaces and golf cart parking, restrooms and covered pavilions. The new area is expected to be complete by next summer.
The projects total $26.5 million and were funded by tourism revenue, primarily the city’s 1/2-cent sales tax and the bed tax levied on hotel rooms and other short-term accommodations, such as vacation rentals and inns.
“I want to emphasize that these new parks are public in every sense. No beach chair vending, no commercial activity, just families, friends and visitors enjoying the sand and water.”
Young noted that “beyond new access points, we’re also focused on the long-term health for our shoreline. It’s about sustainability, property protection and making sure the next generation has even more access than we do today.
“Destin’s beaches are our greatest treasure. These projects are how we make sure they belong to everyone, now and in the future.”
Scranton city hall renovation a beacon to city’s ‘positivity’
By JENNIFER BARTON | The Municipal
One hundred and thirty-seven years ago, under the watchful supervision of architect Edwin L. Walter and mayor Ezra Ripple, the city of Scranton, Pa., built a soaring, three-story Victorian Gothic city hall. It stood — and still stands — 70 feet tall, except for the tower, which rises 160 feet above the city of 76,000 people. And in March, residents received an amazing surprise with the reveal of the fully renovated Scranton City Hall, its tower lit up in green for St. Patrick’s Day.
Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti and business administrator Eileen Cipriani spoke about the project, five years in the making, which restored beauty to the historic building. Cognetti stated that restoration planning began in the previous
administration but became a hallmark of her time as mayor.
It began with a state grant from the former governor Tom Wolf. Yet, “there was no way we would have been able to do the project with just those funds,” Cognetti admitted. In 2021, when the American Rescue Plan
ABOVE: Architect Edwin L. Walter designed Scranton, Pa.’s, city hall, which was built in 1888. The city renovated the structure to ensure it could continue to serve the community for generations more. (Photo provided by Scranton, Pa.)
passed, city officials became excited “that restoring city hall and making our building more safe, more healthy for our employees was something we could use the rest of that money for.”
Cipriani added that the city also received a grant from the State Historic Preservation Officers, bringing state and federal funding up to $4.6 million.
“It’s such a beautiful, historic building, but as you know, when you’re doing something with a building from 1888, the cost is significant,” Cognetti stated.
Scranton City Hall is an example of Victorian Gothic design. As part of the renovation, the roof required resurfacing. (Photo provided by Scranton, Pa.)
The project took 14 months to complete: refacing the façade and towers, resurfacing the roof and even repairing the slate stairs in the front, which Cognetti called “beautiful, but worn and not safe.”
“One of the showcase pieces, of course, is the stained glass,” she continued. Local stained-glass artist Kasmark Stained Glass LLC, out of Dallas, Pa., completed the restoration of the attention-getting windows. “One highlight of the stained glass is that in this building, initially, when you look at it, it looks like a church. You would think it was a converted church made into a municipal building, but in fact, it was built originally as a municipal building.”
The stained glass, she said, tells the story of government and science. The windows are now protected from damage from the outside by Plexiglas, and the many weddings held in the building benefit from the lovely colors streaming through them. The scene serves as a perfect backdrop for photos.
In the tower, panels that had once been wood and were replaced with faux stained glass sometime in the 1980s were again replaced, this time with frosted glass with metal swirls to represent the old wood. Contractors installed lights with numerous colors options for various causes and seasons so they could illuminate the windows.
Cipriani shared a story about the first lighting. “St. Patrick’s Day is very big here in Scranton, very big.” So, she asked the lighting contractor if he could light the windows green in time for the annual parade. The morning before the big day, he came to Cipriani, saying he had installed green floodlights for the occasion. Even the mayor didn’t know it was going to happen until 7 p.m. that evening, when the tower lit up in a perfect Irish shade of green. As Cognetti proudly pointed out, the feat created quite a buzz on Facebook afterward.
The city of Scranton turned to local as many local companies as possible for the restoration work. Dunmore Roofing was
The renovation process entailed refacing city hall’s facade and towers. (Photo provided by Scranton, Pa.
chosen for general contracting, and James W. Cox & Son Sheet Metal, Bennington & Son and C & D Waterproofing Corporation also contributed to the project. Highland Associates served as architect engineers on the project.
“All the work that went in is local labor; being able to utilize the great firms that we have, the union work that we have here was important,” Cognetti said proudly.
Funding a project of this scope can be difficult. Cipriani pointed out that “A project like this has the potential to go over budget. It was a $4.6 million project, and we were only over by $4,600.”
The project encountered a minor setback in 2023 when the scaffolding was supposed to be put up, but winter weather delayed it. “The project was supposed to be done at the end of ’24,” Cipriani said. The glass windows took
longer than expected to remove and restore as well. However, everything was completed in the spring of this year.
The people of Scranton have responded positively to the restoration. Cognetti said, “It’s just really meaningful for people. This building is so beautiful, it’s so prominent, but it’s been in such a sad state that it really has shown people the power of what government can do when it’s well-managed and when the state, local and federal work together to fund things.”
She gives credit to the power of the local government in completing something of the restoration’s magnitude.
“To have been able to get this project done, a thousand things had to go right: We had to get the money, and we had to have great project management with Eileen and with our building manager, Tom Moleski. The managers who work under Eileen had to manage all these
little things, everything from making sure we had got the right contractors on the roof to making sure we had the right landscaping to go in at the end around the building,” Cognetti said.
Cognetti became mayor in 2019 by special election and won her first term in 2021 by a landslide. During her tenure, she has focused her energy on improving the community and growing the city economically.
She sees this the biggest government project completed under her leadership as “a great symbol of the trajectory of the city. We’ve had a lot of investment in the city in the last few years and even just in the last year. We have so many new restaurants, so much activity going on, so many projects we’ve pulled together. So, it’s just a symbol of the economic growth and the positivity that we’re seeing here in Scranton.”
To complete the renovation, Scranton leaned on the expertise of several local companies. Good project management was also key to successfully tackling a project of this magnitude. (Photo provided by Scranton, Pa.)
The renovated tower lit up green to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. Plexiglas now safeguards the stained glass. (Photo provided by Scranton, Pa.
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Extraordinary Leadership honored with 2025 Fire Chief of the Year Awards
APPLETON, WIS. Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs announced the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees. Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski of the East Franklin Fire Department in Somerset, N.J., and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of the Lehi Fire Department in Lehi, Utah, have been named this year’s recipients.
Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their outstanding service. Nominations are evaluated by a select committee, focusing on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. The 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards were presented during the Fire Rescue International (FRI) event in Orlando, Florida.
“We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Chief Krushinski and Chief Craft embody integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving others. Pierce Manufacturing is privileged to join the IAFC in celebrating their remarkable achievements.”
Volunteer Fire Chief Honoree
Daniel Krushinski, East Franklin Fire
Department
Chief Daniel Krushinski has devoted more than two decades to leading by example. As the top responding volunteer firefighter year after year in a department answering approximately 750 calls annually, he demonstrates tireless commitment and inspires those around him. Chief Krushinski’s leadership has driven meaningful innovation within the East Franklin Fire Department, including establishing a Water Rescue Team and securing specialized rescue boats in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Ida.
Beyond operational excellence, Chief Krushinski is deeply invested in developing his members. Under his guidance, firefighters pursue advanced certifications and in house training programs to ensure readiness for any emergency. His integrity and dedication are mirrored in his family’s involvement—his wife and daughters actively support the department through auxiliary roles and administrative efforts. Chief Krushinski also champions community service, from fire prevention education and summer camp outreach to annual holiday events that bring joy and safety awareness to residents. His visionary Duty Crew Program has become a model for volunteer recruitment and retention, earning national recognition.
Career Fire Chief Honoree
Jeremy Craft, Lehi Fire Department
Chief Jeremy Craft’s career reflects a profound commitment to firefighter health and safety. He has been instrumental in driving landmark cancer prevention legislation in Utah, advocating for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols, and accountability measures that protect firefighters statewide. His leadership extends beyond policy; he
built coalitions, educated lawmakers, and united fire service leaders to achieve these historic reforms.
Chief Craft mentors colleagues, testifies at hearings and shares best practices with departments across the country. His unwavering integrity and selfless approach have sparked a national movement, inspiring countless fire service professionals to prioritize health and wellness initiatives. His efforts are shaping a safer future for firefighters in Utah and beyond.
Chiefs Krushinski and Craft exemplify the highest standards of leadership in the fire service. Their dedication, innovation and service to their departments and communities make them deserving recipients of the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award.
Fire departments in Indiana receive $10,000 grant from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council have teamed up for the second year to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment to help keep their responders safe and protect their communities. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant, including seven departments in Indiana.
The announcement was made on Aug. 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, and communities across the country rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds from structure and wildland fires, to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies, to natural disasters and hazmat incidents.
Many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their community. These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness. Grants will be used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and much more.
In Indiana, the following volunteer fire departments will receive grants:
• Jennings Township Volunteer Fire Department (Austin)
• Kouts Volunteer Fire Department
• Manilla Volunteer Fire Department
• Monroe Township Cowan Volunteer Fire Department (Muncie)
• Owen Township Volunteer Fire Department (Norman)
• Palmyra Fire Department
• St. Anthony Volunteer Fire Department
In addition to the 150 grants, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants to provide more responders with access to an array of benefits, including free training, support services and more. The NVFC is the leading national nonprofit association serving the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services.
Since the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program launched in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments. Find information about the grant program, including a list of departments receiving the grants, on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-product-related company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates. Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2307, or email swright@the-papers.com
Best States for Military Retirees
As former members of the armed services look toward retirement, they do so through a unique lens. This Veterans Day, The Municipal considers the particular needs and situations, particularly in retirement, of those who have served their country.
Earlier this year, the financial website WalletHub dove into the data to determine which states in the U.S. were the most welcoming to retirees who are former military, and which provided the most comfortable retirement. They considered state tax policies on military benefits, local economies and the ability of the state’s healthcare system to treat former members of the military who might be suffering with permanent injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health issues.
The website team compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia using a data set of 28 key metrics ranging from veterans per capita to the number of Veterans Administration health facilities and job opportunities for veterans. States were ranked in three categories: economic and environmental, quality of life and health care.
The highest combined average of those categories went to the states below. South Carolina took top honors due to its many policies that help veterans and the fact that the state has the third-best VA hospital system in the country. The other high-ranking states are below. Visit the website to learn more about why each one made the list.
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