Public works employee led by example for 37 years

How do you capture the experience of 37 plus years from a guy whose only full-time job has been for the Lombard Public Works Department?

The task is near impossible but for Keith Surges, Lombard's Public Works Operations Superintendent, he would tell you that he'd figure out a way to do it. You see, that's his work ethic. He never says no and he'll always figure out a way to get the job done. Period.

Throughout his life-long career that he's made with the public works department, Surges has always been a “go-to” guy for almost any problem, situation or job that arose. Now, after 37 years, Surges has made the most difficult decision of his career — to retire, effective March 31.

Surges was recently diagnosed with a rare, inoperable cancer of the appendix. He has been going through extensive chemotherapy treatments which have made it very difficult for him to continue the work ethic that he has held himself to his entire life. So, after much deliberation, Surges felt that retirement was the best option for him and his wife, Therese.

“Anyone who knows me, knows that I always give 130 percent,” said Surges. “Now, I'm lucky if I'm able to give 60 or 70 percent,” he added. “And that doesn't work for me.”

Surges began employment with the village's public works department two weeks after graduating from high school and he has been employed with the village ever since.

“I've worked my way up from the very bottom to where I am today,” Surges said. “And I've loved every minute of it.”

Surges' career with Lombard began June 18, 1973, as a maintenance worker at the then Lombard sewage plant. Within two years, he had tested to become an Illinois EPA Sewage Treatment Operator, which he passed (Class 4.) In 1975, Surges operated the sewage plant, processed the lab tests until 1976 when he became foreman and added supervision of the treatment plant to his list of responsibilities. In 1979, Surges tested for the Class 2 and 3 operator licenses, which he passed and still holds the Class 2 operator license today.

In the late 1970s, the Glenbard Waste Water Facility was formed and the employees who were working under the public works sewer division were dispersed either to the new facility, elsewhere in the public works department or left without jobs. Surges was luckily kept on by the village public works Department with two other men, whom Surges would work with many years and learn a great deal from.

Shortly after the move to the public works facility at the village hall complex, Surges was made the second supervisor in the sewer division, a post he held until the mid-1980s. It was about 1985 that Surges was promoted again to assistant superintendent for public works, where he was responsible for the sewer division, water division, streets, forestry, street lighting and the public works building. Surges would manage all of these divisions until 1992 when growth had caused the division to be too large for one person.

He would continue to be superintendent of operations, handling streets, electric, forestry and the building, a post which he will hold until retirement.

Throughout the years, Surges has made many friends and has put forth great effort in his various positions for the Lombard Public Works Department. But throughout his tenure in Lombard, what has been the best time for him?

“I have always been lucky to have fantastic supervisors who have allowed me to do what I was able to do, from day one,” Surges said. “I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me at the village and appreciate the confidence and support that I received,” he added.

Success has seemed to follow Surges in whatever he was involved in and when asked to what he attributed that success, his reply was simple: “I have an extremely high work ethic, which I attribute to my father,” Surges said. “I always tried to lead by example. If you have a job to do you should be on time, work eight hours or more and then go home to get ready to do it again,” he said. “And, I can't ever recall not getting along with people. I have always been able to get along with everybody, which has helped me as well,” he added.

Manpower has been one of the biggest obstacles he has had to overcome, during those times like now, when the economy isn't at its best and budgets are lean. “We still have a job to do and it must get done,” he said.

Retiring after more than 37 years of coming to the same place with some of the same people day in and day out is not going to be easy for Surges. “It's my family, my work family,” Surges said. “And they're important to me. I've been lucky that each supervisor I've worked with has been a friend. I've enjoyed that camaraderie over the years and I will truly miss it,” he added.

Over the years, Surges has been faced with many challenges, both personally and professionally. Sometimes, it has not been easy, but he has never complained. “I have always tried to keep a positive attitude,” Surges said. “A positive attitude is so under rated. I think it's one of the most important things a person can do for himself and others,” Surges added.

Surges credits his wife, Therese, as being his rock and the one who has made it possible for him to be the man he has become. “She picks me up when I'm down. She is my life,” he shared.

While Surges' work family is fairly large, his real family is growing as well. He and Therese have five children, with their seventh grandchild on the way — a girl. He is excited and looking forward to spending more time with them, once he is retired.

On March 31, when Keith Surges makes the last rounds at the public works department, it will be a sad day for the village of Lombard. For one person who gave so much, his talents and expertise will surely be missed by many. But he leaves behind a great example for others who were fortunate to know him, call him friend and learn by his example.