Department of Public Works Crews Recognized for
Efforts During Last Week’s Snow Storm
Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro treated Dutchess County Department of Public Works’ (DPW) employees to a special luncheon yesterday at the DPW highway garage. The County Executive bought lunch as a thank you to the more than 120 DPW employees who worked tirelessly last week during Winter Storm Stella to perform snow and ice removal operations to ensure continued safe travel throughout Dutchess County for residents and emergency personnel.
County Executive Molinaro said, “The men and women in our Department of Public Works worked several long days to ensure the safety of our residents and emergency personnel. They did not have the benefit of staying home during the storm and missed seeing their families while they were out working all hours of the day and night to clear our roadways. On behalf of all our residents, we are grateful for the work you did during the
storm and the work you do all year round to make Dutchess County a great place to call home.”
Dutchess County DPW mobilized over 120 men and women from each of its divisions to perform snow clearing and removal operations including Highway, Buildings, Parks, Auto Service Center, Airport and Administration.
Crews began snow clearing operations along the County’s highway system at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14th and continued through Wednesday, March 15th. Additionally, crews cleared snow and ice from County offices, parks and the airport.
Dutchess County DPW also partnered with private contractors and local highway and public works crews to assist municipalities in the days that followed the storm with clearing and cleanup operations to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, including snow removal from streets and sidewalks throughout the City of Poughkeepsie’s core business district area and at designated intersections to allow for students to be able to walk to school. 
Additionally, Highway crews also provided assistance to first responders in two incidents during the storm, in Tivoli and in LaGrange, clearing residential driveways to allow emergency services to access residents in need.
Department of Public Works Commissioner Robert Balkind said, “I’m very proud of the staff at DPW for their dedication and service to Dutchess County each and every day. Our employees spent many hours last week working to ensure our roadways, sidewalks, and facilities were accessible to residents and employees.”
For more photos from yesterday’s appreciation lunch, click here to visit the Dutchess County Government Facebook page.
