'Most Reliable' Western Springs Public Works Employee Retiring

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – An employee who started with the Western Springs village government 45 years ago is retiring at the end of the month.

Robert Goodman has been in public works for the entire time, but also worked in the fire department through the mid-1990s, according to the village.

He was honored at Monday's Village Board meeting.

Matthew Supert, the village's municipal services director, said it was "absolutely remarkable" to have someone with Goodman's talents and longevity with the village.

"He is there for basically every emergency and every event we have had," Supert said. "In my 17 years working here, I don't think I've ever heard Bob say no when we have asked him to come in for any special event. He is there for every single emergency we have, every single water main break."

Supert continued, "Bob's the most reliable member of the department we have across the board, and his accomplishments are simply remarkable. The amount of knowledge he has will never truly be replaced. We're trying to squeeze as much out of him for the last couple of weeks."

Goodman did not speak, but identified his family members in the audience.

Village President Heidi Rudolph read a resolution proclaiming March 29 as Robert Goodman Day in Western Springs.