As St. Patrick’s Day fell on a weekday this year, it’s no surprise that things were a little quieter last weekend and early this week.
Fewer numbers did not make the mission of our police department and other city services less critical.
Even with a few hotel rooms still available, tens of thousands came. They were looking for a good time. They wanted green beer. They walked the streets, drinks in hand. They listened to bands and met with old and new friends.
To some, it looked like any other large community festival. But, if you looked behind the curtain, there was quite a bit of orchestration amongst various city services and organizations.
I have been invited for the last few years to observe the inner workings of what the city does to help make this festival a success. During this four-day event, my nights started in Savannah’s Emergency Command Center (ECC). This was the information hub for the city.
The ECC was filled with representatives from police, fire, EMS, traffic engineering, and parking services. Each of these representatives were sharing information and working together to ease traffic, respond to concerns, and even disperse crowds.
The ECC was built in 2013 and was used for the first time during the St. Patrick’s festival that year.
During this year’s festival, it was clear more officers patrolled the streets, but what was less obvious is the strong camera network that police used to monitor and then act on any area that needed crowd control.
These cameras are powerful tools for our city, located at street intersections and corridors throughout the city.
Maj. Richard Zapal was the officer in charge of this year’s festival. He spent a significant amount of time on the streets among his officers and festivalgoers. He seemed to be at ease throughout the festival but ever vigilant to the mood and feel of the crowd.
The command staff talked to partygoers. They gave directions. They assisted visitors with suggestions about safety. They engaged residents, guests and business owners with a helping attitude and always with a smile. I’m a person who focuses and protects the tourism product in our city, so it was good to see our police force providing safety with a smile.
This command staff also knew the importance of being with their officers. The command staff talked to, what seemed to me, hundreds of officers on patrol. They shook hands. They asked how the officers were doing. They answered procedural questions and made adjustments as needed.
Marty Johnston, the city’s deputy assistant city manager, was seemingly everywhere throughout the festival. She was thinking on her feet and relying on years of experience and tactful nature. It was clear she and Maj. Zapal were the go-to decision makers and problem solvers for the hundreds of city employee’s working the festival and the rest of the city.
I joined them for three of the four nights, and we walked and rode several times each night and into the early morning hours through City Market, River Street and the rest of downtown.
I have to say, I was impressed with them both. Every problem or complaint I saw come to their attention was addressed efficiently. On more than one occasion they displayed a patience that I’m not sure I would have if I were in their shoes.
They worked to create a safe yet fun event that brings millions of dollars of revenue to our area. I truly appreciate the long hours they put into this event to make it a success.
To watch the festival and partygoers in this context has been an eye-opener for me. The number of attendees may change each year, but it’s clear that city departments remain constant in their work.
I applaud them and the organizations that are responsible for planning and hosting an event that has helped make Savannah famous the world over.
Michael Owens is president/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, the largest nonprofit trade organization that supports and represents the tourism industry. Contact Owens at michael@tourismleadershipcouncil.com or by calling 912-232-1223.
By Michael Owensw