(COLORADO SPRINGS) — It might still feel like summer, but Colorado Springs is already preparing for its first snow storm with “snow school.”
105 people underwent the training, where they learned to drive plows and sand trucks, among other tasks.
“We’re brushing up on all kinds of things, from vehicle operation to loader operation,” said Clint Brown, the Street Operations Manager for the City of Colorado Springs Public Works Department. “Welding, torching, even a PowerPoint class, going over how materials work, anti-skid materials. We’re trying to cover all our bases and give our operators every chance to be successful.”
It’s a challenging job–working long hours, and operating large machinery in harsh conditions.
“There’s a lot of truck here. It takes up a lot of space and you’re responsible for not only yourself, but those around you. And all our operators, they work long hours, 12 hour shifts. So, you know, there’s a lot of responsibility,” said Brown.
However, these city workers say they’re ready to tackle whatever mother nature throws our way.
“We have different materials available to us, and we use them on a case-by-case basis, depending on what the specific storm elements are,” said Brown.
When the first snow comes, the city asks drivers to give these guys plenty of space and have patience.
“And try to only be on the roads when absolutely necessary and important to be somewhere,” added Brown.
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