Two employees of Bergen’s Department of Public Works with a combined 64 years of service, were honored at a retirement party Wednesday at the Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Party House.
Bruce Partridge has retired as wastewater treatment plant chief operator after 36 years, while Joe Chimino, Bergen Electric foreman, has 28 years with the village.
Mayor Anna Marie Barclay presented proclamations while praising the men for their dedication.
“Your years of service cannot be appreciated enough,” Barclay said. “We are a small community and everything which is done makes a huge impact. We are going to miss them, but they will both leave a part of themselves behind.”
Partridge came to work for the village when his father was a trustee. He was working on a farm and the village was looking for someone to do electric work.
“I started doing that and moved to the wastewater treatment plant after that,” Partridge said.
He plans on enjoying a lot more golf now that he is retired.
Chimino attended BOCES to become an electrician.
“The day I graduated, I saw the mayor, who was James McConnell, and he asked me how I’d like a job with the village,” Chimino said. “I’ve thanked him many times since for hiring me.”
Co-workers called Chimino an asset to the community. He has co-chaired the village’s 5K run and likes to run himself.
Bergen is one of 54 villages in the state who are members of the Municipal Electric Utilities Association, and Chimino was a member of their board. In March, he was honored in Syracuse as their “Person of the Year.” He hopes retirement will give him more time to enjoy landscaping and caring for his big yard, and he may take up fishing. He is also active with Bergen’s Masonic Lodge.
Ken Steinmetz, DPW supervisor from 2011 to 2015, said he was happy for both Partridge and Chimino.
“Joe welcomed me and showed me the ropes, and Bruce taught me a lot about the plant and its workings,” Steinmetz said.
Gary Zawodzinski, the current DPW supervisor, also had the highest regards for both men, who have left very big shoes to fill.
“Joe and Bruce have been an asset to our village in many ways,” Barclay said. “They have served with character and loyalty.”
Top Photo: Bruce Partridge, left, and Joe Chimino, employees of the Bergen Department of Public Works, were honored at a retirement party Wednesday at the Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Party House, Bergen.
From left, Trustee Vickie Almquist, deputy mayor Kevin Donovan, trustee Bob Fedele and Mayor Anna Marie Barclay with Joe Chimino.
Cortney Gale, left, administrator for the Village of Bergen, looks at a framed photo presented to Joe Chimino at his retirement party Wednesday at the Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Party House.
