One of Mundelein’s public works employees recently received an award for his work in the department, and village officials and colleagues are saying it’s well-deserved.
Jerry Hemmerling, the village’s vehicle maintenance superintendent, received the “Professional Manager of the Year in Public Fleet” award from the American Public Works Association Lake Branch.
The award recognizes those who have at least 10 years of experience and have made significant contributions to the area of public fleet, a release from Mundelein states.
The award itself came as a surprise to Hemmerling, who said it was all part of the role. Though, he said he is happy and proud of what the team has accomplished.
“I didn’t expect it, that’s for sure,” he said. “We just do our job.”
Hemmerling has been with Mundelein since 1983, starting out as a mechanic. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks, becoming the Assistant Superintendent and eventually the Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent in 2009, he said. Officials said Hemmerling now oversees more than 180 vehicles.
In his nomination letter, Director of Public Works and Engineering Adam Boeche called Hemmerling’s love for the job and the village “unmatched.” He also said Hemmerling is relied on by other departments for a variety of tools and help.
“He understands the importance of his role and takes it very seriously,” Boeche wrote in his letter. “I can always count on him to get the job done.”
During his tenure, Hemmerling has helped modernize the fleet’s processes. From creating the village’s first preventive maintenance schedule, to creating an electronic inventory of stock parts, Hemmerling and his team have allowed the fleet’s operation to run smoothly, and efficiently, officials said.
Along with these additions, Hemmerling has helped increase sustainability. He was part of the purchase of the village’s first hybrid car, and has reduced the village’s unleaded fuel consumption by 15% during non-winter months, according to the release. He also led the charge on the building of a 98,000 square foot garage, which is part of the new public works facility, the release states.
Despite his achievements, Hemmerling maintains that he is part of a larger team, and the work could not have been done without them.
“One of the biggest things I’m proud of is our commitment to our job and keeping (the vehicles) running,” he said. “Everybody here works together.”
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