Snowplow drivers are unsung heroes

Screenshot of a Northumberland County snowplow. Image courtesy of Northumberland County.

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Northumberland County

A new video posted to Northumberland County's Facebook page pays tribute to the unsung heroes who clear our roads.

Snowplow driver Mike Birney has just qualified as an unsung hero – at least, according to the title of a new Northumberland County one-minute film posted to the county's Facebook account.

“Winter's Unsung Heroes” was screened for county council Wednesday at their February meeting.

Birney reflected how he'd always enjoyed driving a truck, but what he does means so much more.

“Clearing the road just isn't a job. It's a calling and a responsibility,” he said in the film.

“You don't do it for the glory, you do it because when you are done, someone makes it home or reaches the people who mean the most.”

The important thing, he said, is that “when the road is clear, people get where they need to go.”

Birney added that he enjoyed the work - “and no, you can't drive,” he finished.

Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore told council that, the last time she checked, the video had more than 38,000 views.

“It's great for the road operators to see themselves highlighted in the video, and great for our communications team because it's created all in-house,” Moore said.

“I think it's excellent, I think it's great – funny,” Councillor Mandy Marti commented.

“On a personal note, Mike is a neighbour and a friend of mine,” Councillor Scott Jibb said.

“I didn't know the video existed, so I will be having some fun with it in the near future.”