Employees of Collegedale Public Works Department pictured (in no order) are: Robbie Derrick, Sam Sewel, Dwight Young, Sam Parker, Brian Robinson, Brett Ramsey, Josh Cook, Hunter Parker, David Picket, Steve Price, Scott Wheeler, Lamar Rains, Eric Sines, Paul Silverio, James Gailor, Steven Farmer and Herman Holcomb. Not pictured are Bo Cox, Daniel Hollifield, Jamie Bialeschki and Kris McAloon.
Following a train derailment that damaged an important intersection on a major thoroughfare in the community, Collegedale Public Works immediately went to work ensuring the safety of citizens and has continued to work to repair the damages sustained during the accident.
In recognition of the concerted efforts made by the Collegedale Public Works Department to respond quickly and efficiently to this incident, the Tennessee Municipal League will present Collegedale with an award for Excellence in Public Works.
The award will be presented Tuesday, July 25 at the TML 83rd Annual Conference held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
On Dec. 20, 2022, a truck struck a Norfolk-Southern train that was carrying a 137-foot concrete beam, resulting in a train derailment. Police said the driver attempted to drive across the railroad crossing but stopped halfway across the tracks, bringing his tractor trailer into the on-coming lane of traffic when the train hit.
The derailment caused three engines and 10 rail cars to leave the tracks. This also resulted in damage to the city greenway and sidewalks. Collegedale Public Works employees were on the scene within seconds of the crash as one employee was driving by when it happened. This employee immediately checked on the safety of the people on the train and surrounding area. A code enforcement officer also immediately responded from his office and provided first aid to one of the train engineers until EMS could arrive.
Public works employees then aided police and fire officials with clearing the area of people, directing traffic and helping set up barrels, cones, barricades and traffic signs to both detour people around the site and be able to respond in case of fire.
Additionally, the public works department assisted with transporting and deploying boom socks along the nearby Wolftever Creek to catch any diesel fuel and oil lost in the accident before it could negatively impact local waters.
In the aftermath of the incident, the public works department has designed, bid out and worked alongside contractors to repair the damage caused by the accident to the roadways, greenway and damaged sidewalks. In addition, public works employees have also helped with the creation of detours and safety signage to direct traffic around the site while repairs are ongoing.
“The Municipal League Award for Excellence bestowed upon the folks of our Public Works department confirms what we in the City already know,” said Collegedale City Manager Wayon Hines. “The Collegedale Public Works department is a group of highly dedicated individuals that continue to strive for excellence. Their timely response in times of crisis to the day in and day out typical duties are completed with a level of professionalism and excellence that should be the envy of any city. I continue to be impressed by and thankful for all their contributions to the City of Collegedale.”
Each year the Tennessee Municipal League honors cities throughout the state for overall excellence, improvement, specific outstanding programs, or department accomplishments. Award winners for 2023 include the city of Algood for Excellence in Community Development; the city of Clarksville for Excellence in Police Services; the city of Collegedale for Excellence in Public Works; the city of Harriman for Small City Progress; the city of Kingsport for Excellence in Economic Development and Revitalization; the city of La Vergne for Excellence in Police Services; the city of Lakesite for Small City Progress; the city of Morristown for Excellence in Recreation Facilities; the city of Nolensville for Excellence in Strategic Planning in Fire Service; the city of Paris for Excellence in Green Leadership; the city of Smyrna for Excellence in Governance; and the city of White House for Excellence in Parks and Recreation.