West Cook News

After more than 35 years on the job, a village of La Grange employee Russell Davenport was recently feted in a moment to remember.

During a recent village council board meeting, Davenport led officials and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance in recognition of his accomplishment. The longtime village worker, who started as a laborer and is now the department’s assistant director, was joined by his wife for the recitation.

“His commitment, adaptability, attitude and work ethic transcend the years and have had a tangible impact on what makes this village so special," village President Mark Kuchler said in a video posted to YouTube. "His fingerprints can be found in many details associated with maintaining our complex infrastructure of streets, water, sewer, street lights and buildings, and the things we can easily take for granted such as daily trash service, mowing the grass, trimming the trees or blowing snow.”

Back in 1990, Davenport’s position was reclassified as a general utility worker, and three years later, he was promoted to crew leader. In 2000, he was elevated to foreman and settled in as assistant director of public works in 2021.

“At each level, he has demonstrated a willingness to take on new responsibilities and has continued to learn and work outside of his comfort zone. It's truly commendable all of his efforts and experiences, and he's been fantastic over the past 35 years,” Kuchler said.

Through it all, Trustee Beth Augustine marveled at the way Davenport has managed to work and raise his family with such dedication.

“It's a rarity these days to stay at one job for this long, especially one that requires such physicality and willingness to put your personal plans on hold," Augustine said, while commending him for his willingness to lead by example and seamlessly coexist with fellow staffers at every stop.

“Thank you guys so much," Davenport said after taking the stage. "I appreciate everybody for coming out for me tonight. I appreciate my friends, my family, all the board members. The crowd is here right now. I know that I have my 35 years of service tonight. And I know other people come in front of the business, but thank you for being here and hopefully, I have touched you in some kind of way.”

Before the night was over, those in attendance shared a laugh about the two different appearances Davenport made on the Oprah Winfrey Show, including in 1990 when his wife submitted his name for a men’s fashion makeover.

In 2009, he was invited back for a surprise redo, with his hesitation to come on stage in his work uniform becoming the talk of the entire village.