Page 20 - Nov-Dec 2019 Vol37 No5

2017 CONFERENCE TECHNICAL SESSION SEVIERVILLE By Michael Sampson
Fourth Graders Learn About PW
Flying Firetrucks, Traffic Cameras and More

Fourth-grade class students from
Sevierville Intermediate School had an
event-filled field trip this spring to the City
of Sevierville’s Public Works Department...
learning how traffic cameras work, making
their school logos from traffic roadway
sign materials, and watching a firetruck
practically fly. Weeks of brainstorming were
held in preparation for the field trip, since
this was the first to be hosted by the city’s
Public Works Department.

Students from two different classes
alternated visits with Public Works and the
City’s newly constructed Fire Department
Headquarters. A hands-on demonstration
awaited the students in the Traffic
Department, where they learned how
the city designs and constructs roadway
signs and maintains traffic signals. Then
each child cut out a bear paw design onto
adhesive sheeting, which was their school’s
logo (the department was gracious enough
to pre-make enough cut outs for every
student on the field trip.)
Up Close With Traffic Cameras

During the Traffic Control Department’s
demonstration, the students learned about
the city’s traffic system software. Here they
witnessed real-time traffic camera video,
learning about the complex system which
makes up the traffic monitoring system and
the efforts to ensure operations are at the
highest efficiency.

The second demonstration was in the
Fleet Department maintenance garage,
where the students were excited to receive
and wear safety glasses and ear protection
before learning about the department’s
complexities in maintaining city vehicles.
They were shown the oil changing
station, many different vehicle lifts, and a
demonstration on how to change tires.
Making a Firetruck “Fly”

One highlight was when the Fleet
Department staff used a newly-acquired
lift system to raise a large City firetruck
into the air for maintenance. The students
were in awe with smiling faces as the fleet
personnel explained different procedures
performed in this operation and answered
their questions.

20 TPW November/December 2019