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.
2026 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.
2026 Award Recipients
SUSTAINED RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
New Canaan Public Schools
New Canaan Public Schools is recognized for its longstanding commitment to safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through its ongoing risk management program. The district has regularly relied on CIRMA’s guidance and expertise, primarily through the Contract Review Program and School Security Assessment Services, ensuring that each initiative adheres to best practices for liability reduction and safety planning.
Over more than ten years of partnership, New Canaan has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating safe learning environments for students and staff. By incorporating CIRMA’s insights into operational planning and staff training, the district has strengthened its risk-prevention measures and boosted overall resilience.
The results are strikingly evident: despite a rise in claim frequency, the average cost per general liability claim decreased from $1,222 in 2021/2022 to just $267 in 2024/2025. This success demonstrates how New Canaan’s proactive approach and ongoing collaboration with CIRMA have effectively managed costs while fostering a culture of safety and support.
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SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON TOTAL COST OF RISK
Town of Guilford
The Town of Guilford is recognized for its outstanding success in reducing overall risk costs through a comprehensive, disciplined approach to workplace safety. Meeting 11 times annually, Guilford’s Safety Committee emphasizes proactive engagement, regular facility inspections, and clear goal-setting to drive continuous improvement. Recognizing the importance of early incident reporting, the Town encourages employees to promptly report all workplace events, ensuring prompt and effective preventive and corrective actions.
By collaborating closely with CIRMA on facility evaluations, claim reviews, and online training, the Town has established a sustainable model of accountability and progress. The results speak for themselves: from Policy Year 2020/2021 to 2025/2026, workers’ compensation claim costs decreased from $342,000 to $28,000, a significant 91.75% reduction. Similarly, Liability, Auto, and Property (LAP) claims declined by 99.42% over the same period. These outcomes highlight Guilford’s exceptional leadership in cultivating a culture of vigilance, teamwork, and measurable success through effective risk management practices.
NEW AND INNOVATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
Town of Portland
The Town of Portland is known for its innovative, community-focused approach to public safety, including the implementation of improved pedestrian and traffic safety measures around the Brownstone Exploration Park. In response to increased seasonal activity at the park, the town developed and implemented a strategic plan to enhance accessibility and reduce risk during the busy summer months. This plan included reorganized parking and drop-off zones, new signage, a safer pedestrian pathway, and updated safety protocols developed in collaboration with park staff.
In partnership with CIRMA, Portland’s leaders participated in both online and in-person training, along with a comprehensive review of risk management practices to better understand and address claim history. These efforts support CIRMA’s goal of proactive municipal risk management under the Municipal Highway Act, focusing on policy review, roadway safety, and interdepartmental communication.
Portland’s forward-looking initiative not only boosts public safety but also demonstrates how teamwork, innovation, and education can work together to create safer, more resilient communities.
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ESTABLISHING RISK MANAGEMENT AS AN ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITY
Town of Simsbury
The Town of Simsbury is recognized for its outstanding leadership in embedding risk management as a cornerstone of its municipal operations. Following an OSHA visit that renewed focus on workplace safety, the Town re-established its Simsbury Safety Committee (SSC), which has since become a driving force for townwide engagement and accountability. What started as a compliance effort has evolved into a comprehensive, coordinated safety program that unites all departments around a shared commitment to employee well-being and risk reduction.
Over the past eighteen months, the SSC has launched key initiatives, including hazardous communication training, hearing tests, facility inspections, job hazard analyses, and a safety refresher for all staff. The Committee also collaborated with the Police Department to introduce Civilian Aggression Recognition Training, boosting preparedness and awareness across departments.
By actively using CIRMA’s Risk Management services, including the Contract Review Program, consultative training, and e-learning, Simsbury has enhanced its safety culture and reduced workers’ compensation claim severity by 46%. Through these efforts, the Town has made risk management a top organizational priority and fostered a shared responsibility model throughout the community.
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