Designate public works employees as first responders

RESOLUTION NO. 2025- A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES AS FIRST RESPONDERS AS FEDERALLY MANDATED; AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS RESPONDER SYMBOL AS ADOPTED BY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, in 2003, President George W. Bush issued Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5), officially recognizing public works as first responders; and WHEREAS, Public Works agencies play an essential role in disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery; and WHEREAS, during emergency situations such as severe weather events, natural disasters, and infrastructure failures, Public Works employees are among the first to respond, providing essential services such as debris removal, utility repair, and ensuring accessibility to vital areas; and WHEREAS, Public Works employees undergo training programs specific to first responder roles such as emergency management, basic medical response and incident command systems; and WHEREAS, the Village of Pinecrest ("Village") Public Works Department is the lead agency for emergency events in the Village and spearheads the coordination of emergency planning, response and recovery activities; and WHEREAS, on May 7, 2018, the American Public Works Association ("APWA") announced its adoption of a national "Public Works First Responder" symbol to be used throughout North -2- America to identify public works personnel and acknowledge their federally mandated role as first responders; and WHEREAS, the Village Council would like to designate the Village's Public Works Department employees as first responders, as federally mandated, and authorizes the Village Public Works Department to use the Public Works First Responder symbol, as adopted by the APWA, to ensure the symbol is displayed wherever appropriate and raise awareness about the crucial role Public Works plays in emergency management efforts; and WHEREAS, the Village Council finds that this Resolution is in the best interest and welfare of the residents of the Village.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2. Designation. The Village Council hereby designates the Village's Public Works Department employees as First Responders, as federally mandated. Section 3. Authorization. The Village Council hereby authorizes the Village Public Works Department to use the Public Works First Responder Symbol, as adopted by the APWA. Section 4. Implementation. The Village Council hereby authorizes the Village Manager to take any and all actions necessary to implement the purposes of this resolution. Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. -3- PASSED and ADOPTED this 9th day December 2025. _____________________________ Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Priscilla Torres, MMC Village Clerk Approved as to Form and Legal Sufficiency: _____________________________ Mitchell Bierman Village Attorney Consent Agenda