The Silence of Our Service: Why Public Works Is Where Purpose Lives

As National Public Works Week continues, we’re honored to highlight the often-unseen heroes who keep our cities, counties, and communities moving—not just with heavy equipment, but with deep purpose.

In Episode 179 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Richardson, Water and Wastewater Engineering Project Manager for the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a 16-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who found a new mission in local government.

Kevin’s story is one of quiet transformation. After deployments in 49 countries and leading hundreds of soldiers, he stepped into a civilian world that didn’t quite know what to do with him. It was public works, through a chance job and the mentorship of someone who saw his potential, that helped him reconnect with structure, purpose, and service.

And that service, Kevin says, is best defined by one powerful phrase:

“The silence of our service is the applause that we get.”

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In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• How a decorated military leader transitioned into public works and found a new kind of mission
• Why public works isn’t just infrastructure—it’s an invisible safety net for communities
• What most people don’t understand about veterans reentering civilian life
• The importance of storytelling in public works and how we can all do a better job of showing its impact
• How Rock Hill uses community engagement (like “Inside Rock Hill”) to build trust and transparency
• Why Kevin now mentors others through transitions—because no one should have to “figure it out alone”

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Why This Episode Matters for National Public Works Week

Public works professionals are everywhere—and nowhere, all at once.
They don’t ask for applause. They just show up. In the rain. Before dawn. After storms. Behind the scenes. Day after day.

Kevin reminds us that public works isn’t a backup plan for those who didn’t “make it” elsewhere—it’s a calling. A place where structure, service, and sacrifice meet purpose, people, and pride.

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The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities, counties, and communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.