Plaudits for President Pierotti

He's handled tough votes and tough crowds, but the praise of his peers was too much for Dewey Pierotti.

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District president wiped away a few tears Tuesday after commissioners passed a resolution commending him for meritorious service.

On Friday, Pierotti became the longest-serving forest preserve district president ever, logging 12 years, eight months and counting.

"I could never have achieved this without your help," he told staff and commissioners. "This really took me by surprise."

The last district president to reach the 12-year milestone was Leroy James, who served in the 1960s and 1970s.

Pierotti, a retired Addison attorney, remarked that a younger person receiving a similar honor would say, "This will look good on my resume."

"At my stage of life, it will look good on my obituary," he said jokingly.

Pierotti was elected as forest preserve commissioner in 1992 and became president in 1994. Under his tenure, the district has acquired 2,900 acres and twice convinced voters to spend millions of dollars for open space.

Officials also announced Pierotti had won the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Friend of the Parks Award.