Snow crews work to keep Peterson’s roads safe, clear

  • Published
  • By Corey Dahl
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  When weather gives Peterson employees a two-hour delay, most people hit their snooze alarm and roll over for a few more hours.

But Peterson's 14-member heavy hardware shop, part of the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, doesn't have such a luxury.

Responsible for clearing the base's roads, parking lots and flight line, the crew is out in their trucks, plowing and laying down de-icer long before anybody arrives on base.

"We usually have about 11 people working 12-hour shifts round the clock during a storm," said Kevin Schmit, work leader for the shop.

The whole process starts when the shop gets word of an incoming storm. A truck will drive around the base, spraying 1,300 gallons of liquid anti-icing agent the day before or the day of the storm to prevent the precipitation from sticking.

Once the flakes start to fly, plow operators - the base has roughly 40 augmentees trained and standing by - are called up and put to work. The shop has 19 snow plows and front loaders, with 11 designed for roads and parking lots and eight used specifically for the flight line.

Together, they drop about 20 tons of solid de-icer in the course of an average storm and make sure heavy traffic areas, such as main roads, the base exchange complex, and the child development center stay ice-free and clear. The de-icing agents also keep the base environmentally friendly and save the road crews from cleaning up leftover sand, Mr. Schmit said.

"If we use the right amount, it just goes away," he said. "There's nothing to clean up afterward."

The group has the operation down to a science, though there is one thing that can throw a wrench in their plans - Peterson employees who ignore the base delay. When cars come too early, the plows can't clear the parking lots and have a hard time keeping the gates clear because of the traffic that backs up there, Mr. Schmit said.

"The point of the delay is to clear the roads," he said. "When people come in early, it puts our machines to a halt."

So Peterson employees should rest easy for those extra hours during a delay. Peterson's crews are taking care of the roads and - don't worry - they don't mind missing the extra shut-eye.

"It's actually just fun getting out there and pushing snow," said Master Sgt. Michael Rosseau, non-commissioned officer in charge of the operation. "I just enjoy it."

 

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