By Peter Stephenson, VRSA Local Government Specialist The month of March is more than celebrating my birthday, it’s also Ethics Awareness Month! With all the turmoil and lack of civility in the world these days, it’s easy to surmise that …
Every day VRSA member employees are expected to work in and around confined spaces. These spaces can include manholes, tanks, water basins, and other spaces that could be dangerous. A confined space is any space that meets the following criteria: …
Regular site inspections play an important role in protecting your employees, by allowing your organization to identify and remove hazards in the workplace. The inspection process also shows employees that your organization cares about their safety and wellbeing. VRSA safety …
In 2021, public entities continued to face difficult challenges in a consistently changing landscape. Through uncertainty and change, VRSA has held firm. As the most financially sound self-insurance pool in the Commonwealth, VRSA has maintained stable rates and broad protections …
For law enforcement officers looking for new ways to spark community engagement, the Warrenton Police Department’s “See it in a Different Light” program may provide inspiration. The department has partnered with the Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center to offer an interactive …
Read More › ““See it in a Different Light” with the Warrenton Police Department”
In 2020 The Town of Blacksburg requested VRSA Risk Management Grant funds for the purchase of six GoPro cameras to attach to public works equipment. The cameras are helping mitigate risk by providing content for staff micro-training sessions. VRSA Senior Safety Consultant Edward …
Read More › “GoPro Cameras Aid Safety Training for the Town of Blacksburg”
VRSA provides communications consulting services to eligible members to assist in navigating the unique communications challenges of local governments. The services, provided by VRSA Director of Communications Hollie Cammarasana, include personalized consulting, webinars and training, sample policies and procedures, articles …
Read More › “VRSA’s Communications Consulting and the Town of Hillsville”
Operating large machinery is a part of daily life for many VRSA members. Recently, in recognition of National Safety Month, the City of Manassas put together a backhoe rodeo event designed to engage employees in an interactive training environment while …
Read More › “City of Manassas holds backhoe rodeo for National Safety Month”
Last year the Town of South Hill was awarded $4,000 in VRSA Risk Management Grants which they used to install bullet resistant-glass throughout the the town hall. Recently VRSA Member Services Account Executive Nora Pierre met with South Hill Town …
Read More › “VRSA Risk Management Grants and the Town of South Hill”
Inspecting facilities for damage can be a risky business – especially for water authorities. After significant weather events, many members must send staff up ladders and onto tall structures in order to conduct an inspection. The New River Resource Authority …
Read More › “VRSA grant funds drone for New River Resource Authority”
Community pools and farmers markets are an important part of bringing citizens together. As public bodies prepare to reopen or expand their operations this year, VRSA’s Member Services staff Nora Pierre, Harry McMillen and Lisa Schenk met with members to discuss their plans. Learn more …
Read More › “VRSA members prepare for expanded openings this summer”
Recently VRSA Public Safety Specialist Gary Dillon visited the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Company in Hanover County, meeting with Battalion Chief Chris Hubbard to discuss new sensors the company was able to purchase with the assistance of VRSA Risk Management Grant …
Read More › “VRSA Risk Management Grants and the Hanover County Fire-EMS Department”
When VRSA Member Services Account Executive Nora Pierre visited the Town of McKenney in 2019, she quickly noticed the handicap accessible ramp going into the business office had deteriorated and posed safety issues. Pierre recommended they apply for a VRSA …
Read More › “Town of McKenney utilizes VRSA Risk Management Grant Funds”
As the human resources manager for King William County, Nita McInteer says that “everyday is different” in her position. While working staff from across a variety of county departments, McInteer reaches out to VRSA’s Director of Human Resources Tina Stevens …
Ashley Rogers joined the Town of Smithfield four years ago as their director of human resources. Working for a small town, Rogers has utilized many of the consulting services VRSA has to offer, including those of VRSA Director of Human …
Christopher Himes, Assistant to City Manager at the City of Manassas Park, began his career with the city in June of 2019. He previously worked in private industry and as a naval officer and aviator in the United States Navy. …
Read More › “City of Manassas Park utilizes VRSA grant funds for continuing education”
Like many local governments, The Town of Herndon – up until December of 2019 – utilized staff from various positions throughout their organization to tag-team the duties associated with risk management. In Herndon, finance managed property loss, human resources managed …
Read More › ““People are my purpose.” – Meet Roxann Fox Simkins, Herndon Risk Manager”
Nationally nearly 80,000 cars ran school bus stop arms each day, according to a study conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. Not only is this illegal, but it can also lead to serious injury …
Read More › “Chesapeake Public Schools implements program to reduce stop arm violations”
Like many of you, VRSA started 2020 with big plans. 2020 marked the pool’s 40th anniversary – one we planned to celebrate by easing what worries our members so they can focus on what matters most – serving their communities. …
Virginia winters can be unpredictable. From December to March, the Commonwealth averages from eight inches of snow near the coast, to upwards of 25 inches in the mountains. Some areas near the Appalachians receive even more. In addition to snow, …
Read More › “Winter Weather Preparedness – Town of Strasburg’s Snowplow Rodeo”
Bridgewater Police Chief Joe Simmons began his career with the town in 1998. By 2011, he was serving as chief of police. “I want everyone in my department to know we are a team here to perform a public mission …
Read More › “Bridgewater Police Department Utilizes VRSA’s Public Safety Services”
VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock began his VRSA career as a law enforcement specialist in 2006. Previously, Bullock spent 14 years in law enforcement with his last position at the Henrico County Police Department. “One of the …
Read More › “Meet VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock”
Many times, organizations make plans that are progressive, forward-thinking, and well-intended. Often, plans are changed or cancelled due to a varying number of issues and circumstances. Often, putting ideas into action can take months or even years of planning. That …
Read More › “VML 2020 Local Champion Award in Risk Management presented to Town of Vinton”
The Pink Patch Project originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California, who wore pink patches on their uniforms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VRSA member law enforcement agencies from Poquoson, Williamsburg and Middletown also participate …
Read More › “Citizen Engagement and The Pink Patch Project with the Middletown Police Department”
COVID-19 has had an impact on every part of our daily lives – and holidays have been no exception. While many localities have made the tough decision to cancel or hold virtual events, the Town of Vinton has taken a …
Read More › “Town of Vinton’s 2020 Reverse Christmas Parade”