While January’s winter storm itself only lingered for a couple of days; Collierville’s response has stretched far beyond the final snowflake. From pre-treating roads to navigating a dangerous thaw, Town employees, first responders, and residents all played a role in weathering what became a prolonged and challenging winter event.

Before temperatures dropped, Public Works crews were already in motion. 2,500 gallons of brine were applied to bridges and hills, the snowplow fleet was fueled, and chainsaws were sharpened, while staff stood ready to respond to hazardous road conditions.

 
Jyrome Richmond, Heavy Equipment Operator with the Streets Division, clearing the Community Center parking lot.

Snowfall began early morning on Saturday, January 24, and transitioned into widespread ice by Sunday. Crews reported to work Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m. and worked every day, logging 10 to 14-hour shifts. To keep roads as safe as possible, crews spread approximately 100 tons of salt and sand mix throughout Collierville.

The Collierville Police Department reported 7 motorist assists on Saturday. As ice conditions worsened on Sunday, that number increased to 110 assists. Approximately half of those motorists were located by officers patrolling roadways, with the remaining calls initiated by the public. School Resource Officers also provided additional patrol support while schools were closed.

Patrol Officer Aaron Faulkner drives through a residential neighborhood.

As freezing temperatures continued into the week, Town officials met daily to discuss emergency response and talk about the facility closures, suspended services, and other Town business. Essential employees continued operations while some, including many in North Mississippi, experienced power outages in their own homes.

Behind the closed doors of our Animal Shelter, the work was constant. Our staff checked in on the pets, braving the elements to ensure every animal was warm, fed, and cared for while the world outside was frozen.

Paul Witt, Chief of Operations with Collierville Fire drives Mayor Maureen Fraser through Collierville during the week to observe road conditions.

Motorist assistance numbers declined as residents limited travel. For the Fire Department, it was business as usual responding to emergency medical calls and sometimes getting creative to safety transport people who were iced into their homes.

Collierville Fire works together to help an ambulance break free of a frozen street. Pictured L-R: Firefighter Tucker Walker, Driver Daniel Jacobson, Firefighter Terrell Johnson, and Firefighter Justin Williams.

When temperatures began to rise Wednesday and Thursday, Public Works crews worked late into the evenings to take advantage of the warmest temperatures of the week.

Town facilities began reopening by Friday, January 30. The Library and Fitness Center saw an influx of visitors throughout the weekend with families and residents happy to have a place to move about and connect with friends.

Thanks to residents limiting travel and staying off the roads, traffic crashes remained low throughout the event, with most incidents involving stranded vehicles rather than collisions. This winter storm tested patience, endurance, and flexibility for the entire community. The Town appreciates residents for their cooperation and understanding and extends sincere appreciation to employees and first responders who sacrificed personal time and comfort to keep the community safe.