This event provides an excellent opportunity
for Rhode Island Department of Public Works
municipal employees to train, maintain, and
test their skills and knowledge across a variety
of activities. Teams of two participants are
evaluated through a pre-trip inspection, a
safety quiz, and a snowplow slalom course.
The safety quiz assesses participants’ understanding
of best practices, regulations, and procedures
related to winter operations and equipment use.
The slalom challenges drivers with realworld
scenarios, including backing up in tight
spaces and navigating sharp turns. Barrels and
cones are strategically placed throughout the
course, and points are deducted for any contact.
To recognize outstanding performance, awards are
presented to participants who choose to compete,
although participation in the competition is not
mandatory. The winning team may also receive a
scholarship to attend the APWA Western Snow &
Ice Conference, National Snow Roadeo, and Winter
Maintenance Supervisor Training in Colorado
(www.westernsnowandice.com).We started our 2025 Driver Training out on Monday, May 19th with a half day Calibration class co-sponsored by RIDOT/RILTAP and The Trust's Driving Simulator. Day two was the Pre-Trip Inspection, Written Safety Quiz, Slalom, Loader Training and Snowplow Slalom Course along with The Trust's Simulator again for those that didn't get a chance on Monday. Both days the weather held out while we enjoyed being right on Narragansett's beachfront. Fifteen teams participated for day two's events. Teams attended from the following cities and towns:
Burrillville, Cranston, East Greenwich, East Providence, Narragansett, North Kingstown, North Smithfield, Portsmouth, Providence, Smithfield and South Kingstown
We are so very grateful to all of the volunteers that made this day possible, Tim Ledogar of Monroe Tractor, Bob Dexter of Felix A. Marino, Clark & Deb Stearns of Tri-County Contractors, Jack Davis of Jack of All Blades, Steve Mattscheck of New England Asphalt, our partners with The Trust and RIDOT/RILTAP, and all our DPW help and anyone I may have missed. Everyone was greatly appreciated.
Overall Winners for the Day
1st Place Overall went to North Kingstown DPW - Adam Littlefield and Joe Paquet
Loader Event:
1st Place is Franz Weidinger of Smithfield DPW
2nd Place is Tony Caici of Providence DPW
3rd Place is Scott Taylor of Providence DPW
Pre-Trip Inspection:
1st Place Adam Littlefield and Joe Paquet of North Kingstown DPW
2nd Place Paul Manzi and David Gormley of Narragansett DPW
3rd Place Ron Smith and Elliot Marshall of Portsmouth DPW
Written Exam:
1st Place Paul Manzi and David Gormley of Narragansett DPW
2nd Place tie Ron Smith and Elliot Marshall of Portsmouth DPW
2nd Place tie Anthony DiOrio and Scott Taylor of Providence DPW
3rd Place Joe Sullivan and Shawn Fallon of East Providence DPW
Slalom:
1st Place - Adam Littlefield and Joe Paquet of North Kingstown DPW
2nd Place - Joe Sullivan and Shawn Fallon of East Providence DPW
3rd Place - Scott Bowman and Franz Weidinger of Smithfield DPW
