December 4, 2024 | Charmaine Skoubo

When it comes to choosing a Safety Hero, we look for folks who go above and beyond when it comes to focusing on the safety of others, and Scott Hickman was a clear choice.

Scott is in his third year serving as the Operations Manager at the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District (CVPRD), where he oversees the maintenance/parks and guest services teams. His role is crucial in ensuring successful and streamlined operations and the safety of both patrons and staff at the district.

In his role, Scott has implemented innovative measures to improve safety protocols at the district. One significant change involved addressing issues with teenagers causing disturbances at the recreation center. Previously, daily drop-in guests were not required to provide their names, leading to a sense of anonymity and subsequent behavioral issues. By creating accounts with contact information for all guests and requiring check-ins similar to those for membership holders, Scott has greatly reduced both behavioral problems and  property damage. This system also enhances safety by allowing staff to notify parents in case of emergencies or issues involving their children.

Scott's passion for safety is driven by being part of a team that shares his commitment.

“Being part of a team that has the same safety mind set as me really fuels my passion,” Scott emphasizes. “Our employees truly care about each one of our guests and their fellow coworkers.”

Drawing from his experience as a Jefferson County Sheriff deputy, Scott has brought valuable crisis and de-escalation training to CVPRD. This training has improved communication with patrons in crisis and enhanced overall customer service skills among staff.

“This has helped them understand not only how to speak to a guest that may be having a bad day or experience, but it also teaches them how to handle their own emotions if the situation becomes elevated,” Scott notes.

While Scott does not consider his role to be dual, his background as a Deputy in Jefferson County benefits CVPRD by providing valuable insights and training. He uses his knowledge to assist local law enforcement and staff in understanding the needs of different agencies, enhancing overall safety and cooperation.

Emergency situations at the district are rare, but Scott is always prepared. He responds to incidents with calmness and situational awareness, and he has instilled this mentality in his staff.

Scott is also responsible for weather-related closures and participates in the Carbon Valley Emergency Management group, working with police, fire, and public works departments to make informed decisions during severe weather events.

“Weather is a big issue for us,” Scott says. “Being part of this group, we are privileged to information that first responders get immediately, and we can deal with them a lot better. An example is hail and snowstorms. We can get information faster than the local news.”

To better prepare staff and patrons for emergencies, Scott has implemented active threat training, bringing important tactics and awareness to the team in a way that is understandable to civilians.

“In the last few years, active threat training has become a serious topic and a true concern for the recreation industry,” Scott says.

He continues to focus on teaching staff to be aware of their surroundings, understand the difference between cover and concealment, and know how to escape or hide safely.

Training and development are key components of Scott's approach to enhancing staff skills and knowledge. CVPRD offers a variety of training opportunities, including CPR/First Aid, Active Threat Training, customer service, and dealing with difficult people. The district also utilizes the Vector Solutions platform and collaborates with professional organizations such as the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) and the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) for web and in-person training. Additionally, experienced staff members share their knowledge through lunch-and-learn sessions.

One of the biggest challenges Scott faces is keeping young staff motivated. He acknowledges their talent but emphasizes the need for reminders about the importance of their positions and prioritizing customer safety and experience.

“We help our young staff understand what types of risks they may have to deal with and what the loss may be if that risk is allowed to exist,” he says. “It could be a safety or security issue, financial issue, or just how it will affect our reputation.”

Scott's short-term goals include adding more awareness training for de-escalation and mental health issues. In the long term, he aims to expand the district’s facility offerings to accommodate the growing community and meet the increasing demand for programs and services.

Scott's dedication to safety and service at CVPRD exemplifies his commitment to creating a secure and welcoming environment for all patrons and staff. Through innovative measures, valuable training, and a passion for continuous improvement, Scott is making a significant impact on the community he serves. If you know someone who goes above and beyond for safety in your district, fill out a form to let us know, and maybe they’ll get featured next!  In the meantime, check out our other member spotlights and safety heroes.