West Cook News

At its Dec. 1 meeting, The Village Board of La Grange Park recognized Clarence Angion for his years of service to the public works department in the village as he is set to retire. Angion started with the village in 1994. He quickly took over street sweeper duties as the former head of that post retired shortly after Angion was hired.

Angion worked for the village for over 28 years, becoming an integral part of the public works family. The village board thanked him for his hard work and dedication to the village and its residents. Public Works Director Rick Radde brought Angion up to the podium to thank him for the hundreds of miles of streets that he swept and plowed over the years, along with all the potholes he has filled.

“Nobody is more blessed than the village, its residents and your coworkers past and present at the Public Works Department,” Radde said. “We are honored to have worked alongside you for all these years. You'll be missed but never forgotten. But it's time for you to begin another chapter in your life. May God bless you. Keep you healthy and safe. P.S. Do not turn off your phone just yet. I feel a snowstorm coming up before the end of the year. Well, everybody, please rise up and help applaud Clarence for his dedicated years of service.”

Angion was also recognized for his ability to do anything, including fixing roofs, something that got him the nickname Squirrel. The board was told Angion was always the first to get to work in the morning and was a blessing to all of his coworkers. Angion had brought his wife, daughter, and granddaughter with him to the meeting, and all but one member of the public works department was able to make it to celebrate the occasion.

The board also discussed appointing Austin Haacke as the village’s finance director and village treasurer.

The board will meet again at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Village Hall board room at 447 North Catherine Ave.