Nick Broadway, Cary Middlebrook, Kevin Crossett, Kenny Lamm, and Nicole Trifone discuss preparations for July 4th. Photo by Pam Stallsmith

By Diane S. Thieke

What better place to talk about public safety than a brand-new police station? On Oct. 17, nearly 20 VPC members gathered at the City of Williamsburg Police Department for our 2026 Fall Luncheon. Our featured topic was “Protecting the Public as America Turns 250″ and our guest panelists provided exclusive insight into how the city pulled off its record-breaking July 4th celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

WAVY-10’s Nick Broadway moderated a lively discussion featuring Kevin Crossett, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Director of Corporate Affairs; Kenny Lamm, the Foundation’s Director of Public Safety, Health and Security; Nicole Trifone, City of Williamsburg Public Communications Director; and Dept. Chief Cary Middlebrook of the City of Williamsburg Fire Department.

On a typical weekend, Colonial Williamsburg will welcome about 36,000 visitors. With excitement running high for the America 250 celebration and a full schedule of events – from a morning reading of the Declaration of Independence to nighttime fireworks – the team planned for a crowd size of 80,000-plus. Their estimate came close: more than 70,000 people participated in the weekend’s festivities.

Planning started nearly a year before, and the leaders’ big-event experience paid off. Beyond the usual challenges of staffing, technology and funding, the team also faced some unique complications. The Historic Area is just one square mile, and it’s known for spotty cell coverage, and without one main gate or point of entry for the thousands in attendance. In addition, a typical Virginia July is very hot and humid, with a constant risk of quick-forming storms.

So the team built a deep bench. Neighboring localities and the Virginia State Police provided backup; Homeland Security supplied federal resources; and a National Weather Service meteorologist tracked an incoming storm from the Emergency Operations Center. Drones and traffic cameras watched crowds and roads, ready to guide emergency vehicles out fast. A staffer monitored social media and sent help straight to anyone who asked. An on-site medical physician and misting medical tents kept heat-related hospital trips to a minimum.

Even so, day one brought surprises: a larger crowd than expected and early morning heat. To warn the public, Trifone posted a photo on social media of the packed Declaration reading with a reminder to come prepared for the heat. It earned one million likes and likely motivated many visitors to bring water and sun protection, which meant fewer medical calls. 

Preventative measures and extra planning allowed guests to enjoy America’s 250th celebrations during the day and during a live PBS national broadcast in the evening, complete with musical entertainment, fireworks and a patriotic drone show.

The panel’s takeaway was simple: Communication is everything. Get the message out, and do it early and often.

Fittingly, the afternoon wrapped up with a tour of the department’s new building, which opened in May 2026.