Stafford wins two national awards

Stafford County is pleased to announce that it has won two 2015 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Stafford won awards for its 350^th Anniversary Celebration in 2014 and for Fire and Rescue’s Advanced Life Support Pilot Program. The awards recognize innovative county government programs that modernize county government and increase services to residents.

“We are honored to be recognized at the national level for these two efforts,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Gary Snellings, Hartwood District. “The 350^th award validates the hard work of the 350^th Blue Ribbon Committee, Stafford’s citizens and businesses, and our staff to celebrate a tremendous milestone for Stafford, and to also bring all facets of our community together for a worthy cause.” Mr. Snellings served as the Board’s liaison to the 350^th Blue Ribbon Committee.

Stafford’s 350^th Anniversary celebration won the NACo award in the category of Civics Education and Public Information. More than 40,000 citizens and visitors enjoyed the year-long celebration and its five signature events and numerous programs. Several initiatives of the 350^thAnniversary became permanent legacies that will be enjoyed for years to come: Celebration Stage at Pratt Park, Stafford’s first amphitheater; the African-American History Wall and the brick memorial garden at the Rowser Building; and the 350^th medallions gracing new public facilities that opened in 2014. 

In addition to this award, Stafford won for Fire and Rescue’s Advanced Life Support Pilot Program in the category of Emergency Management and Response. The program reduced response times and enhanced volunteer participation in the Brooke and Rock Hill areas of the county.

Supervisor Meg Bohmke, who represents the Falmouth District and is also chairman of the Board’s Public Safety Committee, praised Fire and Rescue staff for their innovative approach to meet the needs of Stafford’s citizens within a limited budget. “We were able to reduce our response times in these two areas, increase volunteer staffing, and provide more flexibility in how we staffed our vehicles to respond to emergency calls,” she said. “We will apply the lessons learned in this program countywide to ensure that we are providing the best services at the best value to our citizens.”

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States.  Founded in 1935, NACo assists America’s 3,069 counties in pursuing excellence in public service.