Public service workers deserve thanks, praise

The editorial on Jan. 26 was excellent in providing advice during the extreme winter we have been experiencing, as well as identifying a long list of people who have to endure this extreme weather. They all deserve a huge amount of credit for their hard work and dedication.

Snowplow drivers were mentioned and are the public works crews that are observed the most frequently by the public during the winter. However, a number of others also have to endure the extreme elements as well, such as the parks employees who shovel and snow blow the sidewalks in the downtown every time it snows, the water division workers who repair water main breaks and service leaks at all times of the night and day, the sewer crew that open blockages in the sewers, the pothole crews whose work is never ending, the wastewater treatment operators who are checking the plant during the frigid nights to ensure that the equipment does not freeze, and don’t forget the fleet mechanics who ensure that the plows, ambulances, fire trucks and police cars are all functioning during these extraordinary conditions.

Along with the snowplow drivers, they have all been working this year (as they do every year) almost nonstop since the beginning of December, with little time spent with their families even on the holidays.

A huge thanks/shout-out to all the public service employees who provide these services 24/7, 365 days a year and touch us each and every day.

John Heinz

Vernon Hills