Friday, Oct. 24, is the scheduled training day for 180 equipment operators and 36 supervisors responsible for the City of Wichita’s snow and ice response this winter. 

The number of emergency snow and ice routes has increased from 18 to 24, to ensure that each route can be completed in a single eight-hour shift under normal snow and ice conditions.  The increased number of routes means that additional crews are needed. Crews from the City’s Water Utilities and Park Department will be joining Public Works as first responders this season.  In the past, Water and Park crews assisted Public Works on an as needed basis. 

“Snow and ice response definitely requires a team effort,” says Tony DeCicco, Maintenance Engineer for the Department of Public Works. “Snow and ice events have a major impact on the safety and mobility of the community. We need to be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.” 
 
Training day will begin with a 10:30 a.m. meeting at the Mid-America All Indian Center. Employees will learn their assigned shifts and sites and an overview of duties and procedures will be presented.  

In the afternoon, operators and supervisors will report to their assigned locations for training on plow mounting, spreader mounting and operation, vehicle inspections and work records.    

Employees are expected to drive their routes before Oct. 24, to ensure they know the route and can get questions answered before the first snow and ice event of the season. 

In the weeks following training day, all employees with less than two years experience operating snow removal equipment will be scheduled for additional training conducted by an experienced employee or by supervision. 

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