Page 12 - Sept-Oct 2025 Vol 43 No 4

STATEWIDE
Public Works Week CELEBRATED!

Town of Collierville plays a critical role in reducing response This year’s competition consisted of
The Town of Collierville celebrated times and ultimately saving lives. This six state sanctioned events: Garbage
their Public Works employees with an commitment is upheld 24 hours a day, 7 Truck, Knuckleboom, Mini-Ex, Skid
Steer, Backhoe, and Wheel Loader. Two
days a week, 365 days a year.
Equipment Rodeo, activities including a To show our appreciation, we held small other fun events unique to the Knoxville
horse shoes competition and lunch. events each day throughout the week: ice Rodeo are the Lawn Mower Race and
Town of Farragut cream on one day, snacks on another, and Throw-Ball Competition. Employees also
With this year’s theme “People, Purpose, breakfast sandwiches another morning. had the option to enter the all-around
and Presence,” the Town of Farragut’s Midweek, we hosted our main celebration, competition, which gave top winners a trip
Public Works department celebrated featuring three competitions: cornhole, a to the upcoming state rodeo and a lot of
a week of recognition honoring our skid steer obstacle course, and a precision bragging rights.
dedicated team. pin drop challenge using a backhoe. Rachel Butzler, Knoxville Public
As many know, most Public Works Thankfully, the weather cooperated, Works Director, made the official starting
professionals aren’t seeking the spotlight making the day even more enjoyable for announcement and competitors took to
and are often uncomfortable being everyone involved. the equipment. With a little strategy and a
recognized for simply doing their jobs. City of Knoxville lot of smack talk, operators were in action.
Yet, they are essential workers who quietly This spring, the Knoxville Public Service Whether it was their first or fifteenth
support our community behind the scenes, Department celebrated National Public year, they got to showcase the skills they
enabling emergency services to perform Works Week with their 34th annual Heavy use every day, absorbing new tips and
their duties effectively. Equipment Rodeo. In 1992, Bob Barker, tricks from watching other competitors.
From clearing roads year-round- then-Department Director, started this Elie Muncey, Horticulture Equipment
regardless of season or situation, event because he wanted to do something Operator III, shared his strategy. “I focus
to ensuring access for fire and law fun for PSD employees, and “there were a on smooth movements and staying calm
enforcement personnel, Public Works lot of great operators back in 1992!” under pressure. I plan out how to execute
each course.”
12 TPW September/October 2025