The role also touches on everyday community support. “Just something as simple as a street fair,” Longobardi notes. “Usually, the ambulance corps is there or the fire department’s there, and the police department is there helping to secure that location. But we’re the ones providing the garbage trucks at the end of the street, or we set up the barriers to help secure street access.” This recognition has gained momentum at various government levels.“Our chapters are now advocating on behalf of their members to state officials and cleared, we’re there helping them do that.” Public works teams operate on what Longobardi describes as the FILO principle - First In, Last Out. “Public works first responders are first in and last out because we’re there opening the roads, clearing out things, paving the way so that somebody else can get through to do the job that they have to do. But then we’re also there cleaning it up afterwards.” This principle applies to both natural disasters and community events, showcasing the versatility of public works professionals. 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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