The Bristol (Wis.) Public Works and Fire/Rescue program has been selected as a finalist in the Ford Foundation's Innovation in American Government Awards Program.

A small community of 4,600 residents, Bristol has fewer than 550 fire/rescue responses annually and can neither warrant nor afford a full-time fire and rescue department. Like many small towns, Bristol also found it difficult to find volunteers to answer daytime calls. In 1988, Bristol started cross-training public works employees to respond to fire and rescue incidents, creating the Public Works and Fire/Rescue program, which boasts a 100% response rate to emergency calls. Fire Chief will be featuring an article about Bristol's experiences soon.

The Innovations Program is recognized as one of the most prestigious public service awards in the country. Started in 1986, the program is sponsored by the Ford Foundation and administered by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in partnership with The Council for Excellence in Government.

The Innovations Awards are intended to help foster the replication of programs that work. Each of the 25 finalist programs is an outstanding example of a government agency tackling a tough situation and succeeding by using an innovative and creative approach. Finalist programs receive a $20,000 grant.