41-Year Burr Ridge Employee 'Overwhelmed With Gratitude'

BURR RIDGE, IL – The village of Burr Ridge's longest-serving employee said Monday he was "overwhelmed with gratitude" for his job. His last day is next Friday.

John Wernimont, operations supervisor in the public works department, spoke to the Village Board days ahead of his retirement. He has been with the village as a full-time employee for 41 years.

Wernimont said he started as a part-time worker in 1982 at $5 an hour ($17 in today's money). When he was offered a 50-cent raise if he stayed, he said, "I'll take it."

"This is like my second home, and it always will be," Wernimont said.

He worked under four village administrators, saying the current one, Evan Walter, was the best to work for.

"You are easy to go to," Wernimont said. "Your door was open."

He said his direct supervisor, Public Works Director David Preissig, has been "so wonderful," referring to his kindness and accessibility.

"You brought such a nice culture. You're a great boss," Wernimont said. "Our department has a bright future."

He also spoke about co-workers and praised them.

Preissig thanked Wernimont for his service.

"He taught us so much. It's not so much about the growth and development and the build-out of the village or about the nuances of the original HVAC system in this building," Preissig said. "He has really taught us how to listen, how to serve and how to provide for our residents and businesses."

The Village Board adopted a resolution in Wernimont's honor. It also approved a settlement agreement with Wernimont. Patch described the pact in a story last week.