Annapolis, Maryland (October 28, 2026) – Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has proclaimed October 28, 2026 as National First Responders Day in Anne Arundel County and is officially recognizing employees of the Department of Public Works alongside law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators, and other emergency personnel.
“The public works professionals in Anne Arundel County and across the Country are the silent arm of public safety,” said DPW Director Karen Henry. “When severe weather strikes or infrastructure fails, these men and women leave their homes and families, and go out in hazardous conditions long before the storm passes—clearing pathways for ambulances, protecting clean water supplies, and restoring order. Our staff, along with other first responders from the Police and Fire Departments are public servants in the truest sense of the word.”
The designation aligns Anne Arundel County with national emergency management protocols established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Public Works Association (APWA). Under Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8), public works is listed as a core emergency response function vital to community resilience and national security.
Key responsibilities of Public Works First Responders include:
- Emergency Roadway Clearance: Opening primary transportation corridors for police, fire, and EMS personnel during severe storms, floods, or severe weather events.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: Managing municipal water, wastewater, stormwater, and electric services to maintain essential public health and safety.
- Hazard Mitigation: Responding to chemical spills, downed power lines, structural debris, and hazardous flooding conditions.
- Disaster Recovery: Leading long-term debris removal and infrastructure repairs to help communities rebuild after catastrophic events.
County Executive Pittman and DPW Director Karen Henry with the First Responders Day Proclamation.