City's Hard Working Public Works Unit's Best Summer Help to Return in 2027 Despite College Tour of Duty
By Jeff Toquinto on August 07, 2026
The City of Bridgeport Public Works Department got some good news recently on the personnel front, according to Director Richard “Tiny” Grimes.
Grimes said that a pair of interns that had planned to work throughout their high school careers during the summer months gave Grimes good news. They both plan to be back in 2027.
Aidan Carlson and Jack Burnett, both Bridgeport High School graduates, have spent their last three summers doing all kinds of projects for the city to help ease the strain on the city’s full-time staff and lessen the impact on the rest of the workers when members took summer 
vacation.
vacation.
Grimes initially thought he would have them for just three years as the pair will be attending West Virginia University this fall. That, however, is not the case as Grimes said the pair intends to return to Public Works next summer.
“They do everything from painting fire hydrants to cutting grass and weeding along the roadways and banks along (Deegan and Hinkle) Lakes,” said Grimes. “This year, they got to help the guys in Public Works with concrete, fixing water leaks, as well as landscaping and other daily routines the department handles.”
One other thing they have added to the repertoire that helped expand their versatility. When the pair first began, they were not licensed drivers. Now, they are, and Grimes said they have annually exceeded expectations and fit in with the crew.
“These boys have literally carried me for three summers,” said Grimes with a laugh. “Without a doubt, they are the best summer workers we have had and are truly an asset to the Public Works team.”
Editor’s Note: Top photo shows Jack Burnett, while Aidan Carlson is shown in the bottom photo below the editor's note. Tiny Grimes proves his statement about the pair “carrying him” was not hyperbole in the middle photo.
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