Jackson Free Press

Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter II, Eddie James was recently named Jackson's 2005 Firefighter of the Year. James spends most of his time showcasing the Fire Safety House across the city of Jackson. The Fire Safety House provides invaluable fire safety education to young people. It helps children learn how to escape a fire and educates them about other hazards that may occur in the home.

James has been with the Jackson Fire Department for nine years, four of which have spent working in the Fire Safety Education Division.
James was recognized by the Hundred Club of Jackson at their annual Community Appreciation meeting.

Jackson Public Works Department Awarded National Accreditation. Jackson first in Mississippi to be accredited. The City of Jackson Public Works Department has earned accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA), becoming the first agency in the State of Mississippi to be accredited. The City of Jackson becomes the twenty-sixth public agency in the United States and Canada to achieve accreditation status.

"This accreditation signifies the hard work and tremendous dedication of the people who work in Jackson's Public Works Department," said Mayor Johnson. "We are so proud of this accomplishment and what it represents to the citizens of Jackson."

The APWA accreditation program recognizes those public works agencies that exceed the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry. On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed the standards of performance in areas such as solid waste management, street/sewer repair and maintenance, engineering, building maintenance and vehicle maintenance.

Tom Trice, APW A President and Deputy City Manager of Royal Oak, Michigan, noted, "This is a proud day for the City, the Public Works Department and all public works employees. Achieving accreditation demonstrates the City's commitment to the citizens of Jackson that the public works operations will be the best they can be."

The Jackson Public Works Department began the accreditation process on May 1, 2002 using the Fourth Edition of the Public Works Management Practices Manual. After completing a Self Assessment, and making improvements to existing policies and creating new ones to meet the requirements of the manual, the agency hosted an Accreditation Evaluation Team on May 21-25, 2005. Public Works Director Ben Wolfe, and Deputy Director and Accreditation Manager The1man Boyd, joined the APWA Evaluation Team in reviewing 443 practices applicable to the City of Jackson.

"By completing the accreditation process, we have demonstrated our commitment to making continuous improvement in the management and operations of our department in providing high-quality and cost-effective services to our residents," Boyd said. "Another benefit will be a reduction in public infrastructure liability claims, a cost savings which other accredited agencies have realized."

APWA Board member William A. Verkest, P .E., will present the accreditation award to the Mayor and City Council at 10:00 a.m. June 14 at City Hall. A reception will also be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Warren A. Hood Building, 200 S. President Street.

The American Public Works Association is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 27,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APW A is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and also staffs an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please call (800) 848-APWA.

Jackson Fire Department kicks off 5th Annual Kids Fire Academy. The Jackson Fire Department will kick off its 5th Annual Kids Fire Academy on June 13, 2005 at the Jackson Fire Department Training Academy at 1214 South Gallatin Street. The Kids Fire Academy will run through June 17, 2005 for children ages 10-13.

"This is a great opportunity for young people to learn about the many aspects of fire safety by providing them with a hands-on approach to fire fighting," said JFD Community Relations/Fire Education Division Chief Willie Owens.

Along with fire safety courses, students will learn about Fire Behavior, Basic First Aid, Personal Protective Equipment, Fire Extinguishers, use of the 911 system and other practical tools used by firefighters.

"This five day event is designed to introduce young people to many basic, but important skills that can help to prevent fires and save lives in a fun-filled atmosphere," said Jackson Fire Chief Raymond McNulty.

The Academy will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day, and lunch will be served daily. The Academy is free of charge.
For registration information, call the Division of Community Relations and Fire Safety at 960-1399.

Free Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors: The City of Jackson Department of Human and Cultural Services and St. Dominic Hospital CARE A VAN staff will provide blood pressure checks and information on "Heat Survival" at local senior citizens' centers this month. This service is free to the elderly. For more information, please call the Senior Services Division at 960-0335.