CIRMA Excellence in Risk Management Awards
Emerging and ever-evolving risks continue to drive demand for effective public sector risk management programs. At this year’s Annual Meeting of Members event, CIRMA recognized an impressive selection of initiatives and the leaders who helped implement them from around the state. Selected programs feature novel cost-saving opportunities and introduce new and innovative processes and long-term safety strategies.
2025 winners were announced at our Annual Meeting of Members and brought home a handsome crystal award and a $2,500 Risk Management Grant back to their community. CIRMA Excellence in Risk Management Award recipients and the towns they represent will also be featured in an issue of Connecticut Town & City magazine.
2025 Award Recipients
SUSTAINED RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Town of Manchester
The Town of Manchester is honored for its exceptional commitment to community safety and collaboration through a comprehensive emergency training program for lifeguards.
This initiative unites the Fire Department, Police, EMTs, and Public Works in conducting surprise, unannounced drills that equip lifeguards with vital lifesaving skills and ensure a seamless emergency response. Manchester’s proactive approach has also led to significant strides in risk management across other areas, supported by CIRMA’s consultative services and assessments in playground, aquatic, and ergonomic safety. The Town’s dedication to these initiatives, guided by Director of Finance Kim Lord’s involvement on CIRMA’s Claims Advisory Committee, underscores a shared commitment to safety that benefits staff and residents alike.
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NEW AND INNOVATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
Thomaston Public Schools
The Thomaston Board of Education is recognized for its exemplary commitment to safety and proactive risk management in partnership with CIRMA. Through developing a comprehensive multi-year educational and facilities plan, Thomaston has prioritized the safety of staff and students across the district.
The program’s success led to financial savings that funded a new “floating custodian” position—a proactive role ensuring consistent coverage and reducing risks tied to understaffing.
This partnership has transformed the district’s safety culture, embedding a shared value for risk prevention that meets OSHA standards for a hazard-free workplace.
Thomaston’s dedication to safety, supported by CIRMA’s expertise, is a model for advancing employee well-being and reducing workers’ compensation claims across Connecticut schools. Through this collaboration with CIRMA, Thomaston’s approach to facility safety and risk management stands as a model of innovation and shared responsibility.
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SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON TOTAL COST OF RISK
Norwalk Fire Department
The City of Norwalk Fire Department is commended for its outstanding commitment to firefighter health and safety through an innovative injury prevention program. In close partnership with CIRMA, the department collaborated with the Health & Wellness Committee, invested in advanced PPE, and enlisted specialized training on mobility, stability, and critical wellness topics tailored to the intense demands of firefighting.
This proactive program has yielded impressive results: since 2019, Norwalk has reduced workers’ compensation costs by 27% annually, with claim severity dropping from $919,000 in 2019/2020 to $255,000 in 2023/2024. This achievement underscores the power of Norwalk’s partnership with CIRMA to effectively identify and mitigate risks, safeguard their team, and reinforce a safety culture. The dedicated team representing the City of Norwalk Fire Department exemplifies leadership and commitment to best-in-class risk management—their achievements set a benchmark in employee safety and operational resilience.
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ESTABLISHING RISK MANAGEMENT AS AN ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITY
Town of Chester
The Town of Chester is celebrated for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety and proactive risk management, demonstrated through a robust partnership with CIRMA. Led by Director of Public Works Cameron Evangelisti, the Town initiated a voluntary OSHA walk-through to identify potential safety hazards. This initiative, championed by Town Selectman Cindy Lignar and other department heads, led to a comprehensive safety plan with swift corrective actions taken by staff.
Throughout the year, Chester has continually and intentionally engaged with CIRMA for guidance, participating in various safety assessments, training programs, and educational sessions covering topics from OSHA compliance to cybersecurity and workplace violence prevention. Chester’s dedication to embedding risk management practices into its organizational culture is further reinforced with future scheduled services on ethics, harassment prevention, and job hazard analysis for the coming policy year. This forward-thinking approach highlights Chester’s commitment to fostering a safer, more resilient community through its valued partnership with CIRMA.
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