March 1, 2024

CSFD FIREFIGHTERS ASSISTING

WITH PANHANDLE WILDFIRES

The College Station Fire Department has deployed two firefighters with Texas Task Force 1 to help battle the massive Texas Panhandle wildfires. We'll likely send four more through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System this weekend.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is the largest wildfire in Texas history, already burning over one million acres across Texas and Oklahoma. Several other wildfires are also burning in West Texas.

– Richard Mann, Fire Chief ([email protected])

BOMBER SHOOTOUT SOFTBALL

THIS WEEKEND AROUND BCS

Triple Crown Sports hosts the Bomber Shootout this weekend at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, Bee Creek Park, Bryan Regional Athletic Complex, and Travis Fields.

The tournament includes 84 10U-14U softball teams from Texas and Oklahoma and is expected to attract nearly 3,360 visitors.

– Samantha Holland, Tourism Supervisor ([email protected])

CSFD MENTORS STUDENTS

IN NASA COMPETITION

The College Station Fire Department is teaming with aerospace and mechanical engineers from Texas A&M to develop a device to reduce the water damage that can occur after sprinklers extinguish fires. The students are participating in a NASA competition to adapt patents initially intended for space into commercial products to benefit society.

The proposed design is the SMA-Actuated Deluge Interrupter and includes shape memory metals that react to temperature changes and can alter water flow. The team is advised by Dr. Darren Hartl (Aerospace Engineering), who has applied the technology for aircraft and spacecraft. CSFD mentorship is being provided by Chief Richard Mann and Fire Marshal Cameron Giordano, who have years of experience with the lifesaving protection and recovery challenges provided by sprinkler systems.

Pictured above (L-R): Aman Veer Gadiya, Adam Zheng, Fernando Trujillo, Gia Garcia, Neel Sharma, Jireh Lagman, Chief Mann, Fire Marshal Giordano, Darren Hartl, and Crissy Hartl.

– Richard Mann, Fire Chief ([email protected])

MEETING PLANNERS SHOWCASE

SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19

The 30th Meeting Planners Showcase is Tuesday, March 19, from 2-5 p.m. at the Hilton College Station and Conference Center. The free, come-and-go event highlights businesses that provide services to individuals or groups hosting meetings, conferences, weddings, and other special events. Exhibitors include caterers, lodging, venues, printing services, florists, and more.

The first 200 attendees receive a gift bag, and one lucky attendee will take home a gift basket. Experience the newly renovated Hilton Ballroom, learn from industry speakers, and stay for "Hang Out and Tune In," an open mic night for local musicians, on the Reveille Roof Top bar.

– Cameron Hill, Economic Development & Tourism Marketing Manager ([email protected])

CSFD HOSTS LEADERSHIP

TRAINING AT CITY HALL

On Thursday, the College Station Fire Department facilitated a multi-departmental leadership training program at City Hall. The full-day program was led by leadership specialists Dr. Christine Gravelle, Dr. Manda Rosser, and Dr. Jen Strong of Texas A&M's Mays Business School.

The program was attended by 62 city staff leaders representing 11 departments. Investing in our leadership enhances the organization's performance and community service.

– Richard Mann, Fire Chief ([email protected])

NORTHGATE STAFF PRAISED

BY PARKMOBILE MANAGER

ParkMobile signage in Northgate will be refreshed in the next few weeks and will continue to provide user-friendly information. Community Service's Eric Chapman and Catherine Campbell received the following email after a meeting with ParkMobile:

“It was truly a delight to meet you both in person. Thank you again for the tour, the hospitality, and the conversation! College Station really is a shining example of how parking operations should be run, and it made an impact on me to be able to see that firsthand. Very glad ParkMobile can be a part of what you're doing.”

Kate Klingman, ParkMobile Regional Sales Manager

– Debbie Eller, Director of Community Services ([email protected])

CITY CITED FOR EXCELLENCE

BY TEXAS ECO DEV COUNCIL

The City of College Station received the 2023 Economic Excellence Recognition from the Texas Economic Development Council at last week's winter conference in San Antonio.

The Economic Excellence Recognition Program is a benchmark for professionalism in economic development. Economic development entities must meet specific criteria to qualify, including professional development activities, community engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

– Brian Piscacek, Assistant Director Economic Development ([email protected])

CSU'S ANDERSON EARNS

CISSP CERTIFICATION

Electric SCADA System Analyst Will Anderson recently obtained his Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification after extensive study and testing. The certification is considered the gold standard for information security professionals and reflects his knowledge and vast experience in the industry.

The knowledge bank covers eight domains of security and risk and requires comprehensive knowledge and decision-making skills to master. Congratulations, Will, on your achievement!

– Kim Voitier, Utilities Administration Manager ([email protected])

MUNICIPAL COURT WINS 14TH

TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARD

The College Station Municipal Court has won the Texas Municipal Traffic Safety Initiatives Traffic Safety Award for the fourteenth straight year among cities our size. The award has become increasingly competitive, and it's a testament to our staff's work to enhance traffic safety and prevent citizens from coming to court.

A different clerk oversees the application each year, and Imelda Galvan did a great job with this year's application. The awards will be presented at the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center's Municipal Traffic Safety Initiatives Conference on April 4 in San Antonio.

– Ed Spillane, Municipal Court Presiding Judge ([email protected])