When severe weather descends, it takes a carefully coordinated effort to keep the area safe. It involves a multitude of government and private entities, one of which is the Washington Police Department. Sergeant Sean Ellingson says their job is to keep the city running smoothly during a severe weather situation. Ellingson says they maintain radio contact with the city's maintenance department, and serve as first responders to areas where utility conduits may have been damaged. Ellingson says other city departments do their jobs very well, which allows them to continue to focus on law enforcement during severe weather. This is part of our ongoing Severe Weather Awareness Week. Check back here every day for more weather related coverage.