Inmates Clear Snow from Area Fire Hydrants

February 19, 2008
Contact: Captain Jeff Teuscher Phone: (608) 284-6165 Email: teuscher@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

Madison, WI. February 19, 2008 – With the record level of snowfall, Sheriff Dave Mahoney authorized an inmate work crew to assist in locating and clearing of snow around area hydrants. Today an inmate work crew from the Dane County Jail braved the cold to help remove piles of snow from around many area fire hydrants. The work crew consisted of sentenced inmates with Huber privileges. The inmates volunteered to shovel out hydrants along area streets so the fire department would have access to the hydrants in an emergency. Because of the record snow fall many Madison fire hydrants are buried in deep snow making it difficult to locate them in case of an emergency. A map of area hydrants was provided to the Sheriff’s Office from the City of Madison Fire Department. Many residents already clear snow from hydrants located close to their property. The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to continue this practice if they are physically able. Inmate work crews are supervised by the Sheriff’s Office volunteer coordinator.