When temperatures drop and snow falls in downtown Erie, Derek Smith and Rob Nelson are out before daylight, clearing sidewalks for pedestrians and businesses. Many people think they work for the City of Erie, but both are ambassadors for the Erie Downtown Partnership.
“We do a lot of things for people and businesses, for a lot of different reasons,” Smith, an assistant manager, said on Jan. 23.
Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassador Derek Smith, left, gives hand warmers to passerby Steve Curcio, with single-digit temperatures outdoors in Erie on Jan. 23. Smith said Ferrier’s Hardware donated 400 hand warmers.
“The whole purpose of the partnership is to basically help the downtown district.”
In addition to using a small plow and shovels to clear snow from sidewalks, the men keep tabs on vulnerable populations, especially in severe weather. A recent donation of 400 hand warmers from Ferrier’s Hardware has been a help, with Smith and others handing them out to people in need or those without shelter.
Smith said during extreme cold the team will work 20-30 minutes, then go inside to warm up.
Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassador Derek Smith clears snow near a bus stop, with single-digit temperatures outdoors.
Erie Downtown Partnership Executive Director Emily Fetcko said the ambassadors are a great team, with Ken Parks as team leader.
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“I can’t say enough good things about them,” Fetcko said. “Not only are they good at their jobs, they have heart. They care about people; they’re great stewards for downtown.”
Contact Greg Wohlford at gwohlford@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: When snow falls in downtown Erie, thank these guys for sidewalk safety