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Greetings TIME Task Force Community! The second quarter of this year has been busy and productive. Co-Chair Jason Josey shares his thoughts on all the great work done across TIME:
Traffic incident management (TIM) has only grown in importance in the past three years. Thankfully, your dedication to excellence, teamwork, safety, and a genuine concern for the responder community and motoring public makes being a part of the Traffic Incident Management Enhancement (TIME) Task Force such a rewarding experience. I’m excited to see what we accomplish moving forward.
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Executive Briefing Breakfast
Call for Sponsors
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The 2023 Executive Briefing Breakfast is quickly approaching on August 16 and the TIME Task Force is actively seeking business sponsors to support our mission of increasing TIM safety and effectiveness in Georgia. This year’s event is highlighted by Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurray and Federal Highway Administration Representative Greg Morris who will be speaking at the event.
Sponsors will have their business logo on the TIME Task Force website for one year, name recognition in the TIME Task Force quarterly newsletter for one year, and a five-minute speaking opportunity (dependent on the level of sponsorship) at the Executive Briefing Breakfast. This exclusive event is an opportunity to display your brand to elected officials and transportation, public safety towing/recovery, business, and transit leaders.
If you or your organization are interested in being a sponsor, visit https://timetaskforce.com/about-us/our-events/2023-executive-briefing to view the sponsorship levels and details of each level.
For more information, please email info@timetaskforce.com with any questions.
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Welcome Our New Training Chair! | |
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The TIME Task Force is pleased to announce the new chair for the Training Committee, Chief Shaun Raulston, of the City of Buena Vista Fire Department!
Chief Raulston brings an extensive history of first responder experience to this position. For the City of Buena Vista, he possesses an integral skillset as a fire chief, paramedic, and deputy Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director. As a part of the TIME Task Force, he is a Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) instructor and is willing to lead training. He is also a TIM team champion in Region 9 where he works alongside Chief Marvin Riggins.
One remarkable incident stands out that illustrates Chief Raulston's commitment to safety. While vacationing with his family, they encountered a traffic scene where firefighters lacked proper safety gear. Rather than merely passing by, Chief Raulston promptly stopped and provided them with safety vests along with his contact information for SHRP2 training.
Chief Raulston is dedicated to serving the TIM community and ensuring the safety of first responders in Georgia. He states that he does not want to be the person who calls the family member of a critically injured or fallen responder. The continuation of safety in TIM is crucial to what he accomplishes in his career every day.
Welcome, and we wish you great success in your position!
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Q2 In-person Meeting Recap | |
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On June 15, 2023, the TIME Task Force held its second quarterly meeting in-person at the RJW Hutchings Career College in Macon. This marked the first in-person quarterly meeting since the pandemic and was a significant milestone for the organization!
During the meeting, more than 40 attendees from all over Georgia heard various esteemed industry experts and local agencies speak on topics that impact the TIM community.
Topics and speakers included:
State and National Safety Campaigns
Robert Hydrick, Communications Director, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
Fentanyl – Dangers in Public Safety
Lieutenant Matt Moulton, Houston County Sheriff's Office
Georgia’s Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
Naeshia McDowell, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia
When You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
Chief Operating Officer Tony Woodard, Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority
Safer Response to Military Aircraft Incidents
Chief Forest Johnson, Warner Robins Air Force Base
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Lunch was sponsored by Ackerman Wrecker Service and catered in from local business, Big Papa’s Grilling. Trivia and plenty of prizes wrapped up this successful in-person event.
We want to extend our great appreciation to guest speakers for sharing their knowledge and time with the TIME Task Force community, all TIME Task Force members and attendees, and our event sponsors – all who helped make it possible.
Special thanks to the event planning team who worked hard to bring this meeting to life: Chief Riggins (Area 4 TIM analyst), Requel Williams (emcee and Programs Committee Chair), Latoya Jacobs, members of the programs committee, Chidi Kalu, Ray Herman, and Amanda Tullis.
The next quarterly TIME Task Force Meeting will be held virtually in September. Watch your inbox for your invitation!
To view more photos from the event, visit the gallery on the website by clicking here. Watch the official recap video below.
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National Police and EMS Week | |
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National Police & EMS Week, which was recognized during the week of May 14-20, provided an opportunity to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. It is also a reminder to families that their loved ones are not forgotten but will forever be remembered for their sacrifice. Thank you to Board members Lieutenant John Brookshire and Vincent Harris for sharing their thoughts on this occasion.
Take a look at how the TIME Task Force participated and some of the posts that were shared.
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Stay Safe in the Summer Heat | |
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As the summer heat intensifies, TIME Task Force wants to emphasize the significance of prioritizing your safety. Higher temperatures are tough for anyone, but heat-related incidents can have a major impact on first responders working outdoors for extended periods of time. It is critical for you to take special care of yourself during the summer months to avoid illness and medical emergencies.
To ensure your well-being, remember these vital safety measures:
- Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate number of fluids throughout your shifts.
- When possible, dress appropriately in lightweight, breathable clothing to minimize heat retention.
- Take regular breaks in shaded areas to allow your body to cool down.
- Remain vigilant for early signs of heat-related illnesses and promptly seek medical attention if necessary.
- Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF with multiple applications on each shift.
- Look out for your colleagues and citizens you’re assisting and communicate any concerns regarding their well-being.
Your safety is of the utmost importance as you serve and protect our communities. Let's prioritize staying safe and cool in the summer heat! Check out Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign for additional resources.
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According to the National Operations Center of Excellence, the State of Georgia has trained more than 37,000 responders. Each month, training sessions and meetings take place across the state to educate, inform, and connect agencies and TIM-related stakeholders to help them better manage and coordinate major traffic events. |
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Upcoming Events/TIM Team Meetings | |
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View upcoming events at timetaskforce.com/calendar and get involved in:
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TIM Team Meetings: These meetings allow responders and TIM-related stakeholders to review local TIM trends and discuss challenges and solutions, take in TIM best practices through presentations conducted by transportation peers, and network to further strengthen responder safety skills.
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SHRP2 Training: Enhance TIM practices in the field with training, simulated crashes and spills, and more with a group of your colleagues.
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Responder Training: Increase your knowledge in providing safety, quick clearance strategies, and communication in incident zones.
- And more!
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Highlighting State and National Campaigns | |
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Over the past few months, there have been several major national traffic safety and first responder recognition campaigns. The TIME Task Force posted a blog on their website highlighting Distracted Driving Month and the importance of safe and distraction-free driving. In addition, we shared posts for other key campaigns, including National Safety Month, Heatstroke Prevention Day, Motorcycle Safety, National Public Works Week, National Police Week, National Emergency Management Services (EMS) Week, Bicycle Safety Month, Hurricane Preparedness Week, and National Work Zone Awareness Week. Check out some of the posts and media shared below.
Follow us on social media and visit our website to stay up to date with local, state, and national traffic safety campaigns throughout the year.
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Revised Georgia TIM Guidelines Update | The new version of the Georgia TIM Guidelines is coming soon and will be added to the TIME Task Force website. Interested in learning more? Click here to monitor the page for updates. | |
What's happening? - Training | |
The STIMS team is developing a training course on clearing incidents involving commercial motor vehicles using heavy-duty wrecker operations for Georgia firefighters with the goal of getting the course certified by the Georgia Firefighter Standards & Training Council. | |
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Find a TIM Team Near You!
Did you know the TIME Task Force has about 51 active TIM teams across Georgia in 2022? This impressive number makes Georgia the state with the most teams nationwide recognized by the Federal Highway Administration!
There are currently four TIM areas and 15 regional TIM teams throughout those areas. Each area has a designated area analyst:
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Area 1: Vacant
Area 2: Chief Ray King
Area 3: Jeff Cotter
Area 4: Chief Marvin Riggins
Please email TIMteams@dot.ga.gov if you are interested in joining one of our TIM teams, hosting a meeting, or being a TIM champion in your area.
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The TIME Task Force implements SHRP2 training as a crucial steppingstone to our responder community in their handling of TIM incidents. In Q2, GDOT’s statewide TIM services (STIMS) instructors trained 336 participants across 12 counties, and there have been 635 trained across 24 counties since the beginning of 2023.
Be in the know of our SHRP2 trainings by clicking the button below.
Send an email to TIM_Training@dot.ga.gov for more info.
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Mailing Address:
515 Plasters Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
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