FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Next time it snows in Fort Collins, you might see "Snowbacca" on the road.
Some Fort Collins snowplows are getting a fun upgrade this winter, thanks to a group of students. The city teamed up with Poudre School District for a naming competition. They received over 120 submissions, which was more than they anticipated.
Snowplow drivers were able to weigh in, and they selected names for six trucks.
The names of the "Frost Fleet" can be found here.
There's the Blizzard of Oz, Snowzilla, Snowbacca, Scoop Dog and more.
The city took things a step further — they had their team turn the names into characters. You'll find the characters on the side of the trucks.
Senior Manager of Transportation Operations James Reed said this is about getting the community more engaged with their team. "It's not just about removing snow off the roads. It's an emergency service, so we can make sure hospitals stay open, and police can get to where they need to go," he added.
He hopes this will remind children and adults to give snowplow drivers the time and distance they need to clear the roads. It's fun for all involved!
Senior operator Nate Jimenez said, "I will be driving Snowbacca, so if you see Snowbacca out there, there's a good chance it's me, so give me a wave."
The newer trucks haven't been out on the roads just yet — there hasn't been a lot of snow in Fort Collins. However, they are gearing up to go, and they will be used throughout northern Colorado.
With newer technology, some of the trucks cost around $580,000, and the city is working on grants to help cover the cost. They also have a way for people to track the snowplows when the weather is bad.