UA, City Create Plan to Further Support Safety, Event Personnel

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama and the City of Tuscaloosa have closely collaborated on a plan to further support and honor the community, public safety personnel and first responders who work campus events and activities.

“We can’t express enough how much we appreciate and value the many public safety, fire and rescue, transportation, and other staff who help keep our communities safe and running smoothly,” said UA President Stuart Bell. “This agreement underscores the important roles they play and how the University values their roles.”

The agreement continues existing shared services arrangements and adds specialty services funding from UA to the City of Tuscaloosa to cover other community event services like enhanced fire and rescue, transportation, and infrastructure services.

UA is pleased to offer a new scholarship program to fund annual scholarships for sworn Tuscaloosa police officers and firefighters and their children to honor those who protect the communities where UA faculty, staff and students live, and where families and supporters visit.

“The University of Alabama is not only our region’s largest employer and economic driver, they are partners when it comes to ensuring that Tuscaloosa is safe. I sincerely appreciate Dr. Bell’s thoughtful approach over the last few months as we worked together to provide more for our City’s police officers, firefighters and paramedics,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “The incredible growth of UA is phenomenal for our community, and this agreement will ensure that we continue to offer the best and safest experiences in the nation.”

The agreement will replace the proposed service fee on UA events.