The Village of Homewood Board of Trustees marked the retirement of long-time staff Public Works Department staff member Robert LaChapelle at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28.
LaChapelle started with Homewood Public Works in June 1979 as a maintenance worker in the landscape maintenance division, according to Public Works Director John Schaefer. By 1994, LaChapelle had worked his way up to utility division supervisor, a post he has held since.
Schaefer read the resolution passed by the board honoring LaChapelle’s service to the village overseeing water quality, sanitation and street lighting projects. The resolution noted that LaChapelle “… is valued and respected by his peers, and is known for his professionalism resourcefulness, leadership and dependability.”
But Schaefer began the presentation with a few personal remarks.
“Knowing the modesty of your personality, I doubt you realize how much the staff has leaned on you or how often they have spoken your name in genuine appreciation of the help you have provided to them,” he said. “And so, old friend, I salute you.”
LaChapelle thanked the board, Schaefer, colleagues at the Public Works Department and supporters who attended the meeting to mark the occasion.
He said he was proud of his accomplishments, especially technological upgrades to utilities.
“I feel I’m leaving the utility division in very good condition,” he said. “We updated our technology and equipment to make our water system safe and reliable. We also have well qualified and good people to continue on after I’m gone. It’s a comfort to me that what I started and worked on will continue.”
LaChapelle, a Homewood native, lives in Homewood with his wife Carolyn, son Bob and daughter Laura.
Photo by Quinn Crump/Homewood Chronicle