The increasingly famous TPD Cruiser Cab

TL;DR The Topeka Police Department knows how to get a message across. No, the City isn't offering taxi rides. There are five different ways to get a DUI charge, and any one of them can land you with a $2,500 fine. I took my first ride in the back of a police car.

When water meter boxes become a safety hazard

TL;DR Water crews get to have all the muddin' fun. When they aren't responding to work orders and main breaks, they are performing routine maintenance. As always, use our e311 system to report issues in the City.

Fire Education isn't just for the kids

TL;DR One spark can burn down a house in four minutes -- making fire escape plans rather important. Fire Education Officer Mitchell Paige presents to all kinds of groups, every weekday. To schedule a presentation, email him at mlpaige@topeka.org

Paige has about a dozen thank you cards from students who now know more about staying safe in a fire. Adorable.

The department we couldn't operate without

TL;DR Fleet services is made up of 23 employees who maintain 1,000 vehicles -- everything from weed eaters to fire engines. They do oil changes, transmission replacements, retrofit police vehicles, and even help with police investigations from time to time. It's an often unnoticed job, but one we couldn't operate without.

Planting the Topeka Zoo

TL;DR Topeka Zoo horticulturist Rick Knight thinks about the animals first when he decides what to plant. He's a bit afraid of the animals but, ironically, loves the bugs. He cautions against "plant blindness" and says having a green thumb is no more than folklore.

Rick Knight's first selfie. Plant is dancing doll ginger. It's the first time it's bloomed in 19 years.

Department Director Snow Plow Challenge

TL;DR Snow plow driving isn't for the meek...or department directors. But the City's media relations director has bragging rights for the next year. Just sayin'.

Our snow plow team really knows what they're doing, in case you somehow missed our V in KC. Bring it, winter.

Muddin' with the water crew

TL;DR: Replacing water pipes is dirty, muddy business. But our crews have a good sense of humor, and work hard to get water turned back on as soon as possible.