05/21/2026
Huge congratulations to our founder Zach Hamelton and the entire Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety team on Rolling Sixes bringing home both a Gold and Silver Telly Award at the 47th Annual Telly Awards.
What started as a passion project grew into a nationally recognized documentary series that showcased the reality, sacrifice and brotherhood behind the firehouse doors. Proud to see authentic storytelling in public safety being recognized on such a major stage.
Can’t wait for everyone to see the final episode next Friday.
𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 “𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝗲𝘀” 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety’s original documentary series Rolling Sixes has earned national recognition at the 47th Annual Telly Awards, taking home two honors for excellence in video and television production.
The series received a Gold Telly Award in the General-Government Relations category and a Silver Telly Award in the Online Documentary-Series category.
Rolling Sixes was recognized alongside notable productions including Journey to the NHL from the Florida Panthers and Behind the Blue from the New York Giants.
Created by KDPS’ Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton, Rolling Sixes gives viewers an unfiltered look into the lives of the Equipment Operator Technicians assigned to Station 6. The series highlights not only the emergency responses and life-saving work EO Technicians and public safety officers perform, but also the emotional toll, brotherhood and family support systems that help crews endure the job’s most difficult moments.
“This project was truly a passion project for so many people involved,” said Hamelton. “Projects like Rolling Sixes matter because they give people across the country a chance to look behind the smoke and flames and see what it truly takes to run into a fire when everyone else is running out. It goes far beyond the calls people see on the news. This series is about the sacrifices, the bond built inside the firehouse and the families and crews who help carry the emotional weight that comes with the job. If Rolling Sixes can inspire even one person to pursue a career in public safety or give viewers a deeper appreciation for the men and women who do this work every day, then we accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”
The series was filmed and produced by Hamelton as a one-man film crew using Sony Cinema Cameras, with EO Technicians from Station 6 assisting as additional camera operators through the use of GoPro cameras during emergency responses and day-to-day operations.
“KDPS has always believed in transparency and finding meaningful ways to connect with the community we serve, and Rolling Sixes accomplished exactly that,” said KDPS Chief David Boysen. “This series showcased the professionalism, courage and humanity of our EO Technicians and Public Safety Officers in a way that very few people ever get to see. To receive recognition on a national stage is an incredible achievement, and we could not be more proud of Zach and everyone involved in bringing this project to life.”
The final episode of Rolling Sixes is set to premiere next Friday at 8/7c on the Kalamazoo Public Safety YouTube channel.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and are judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies from around the world.
