SHOREWOOD, Ill. — After more than 26 years of service to Troy Township, Highway Commissioner Daniel R. Ward is retiring, effective Dec. 31.
Ward was first elected to a township position in the early 1980s, serving as, trustee from May of 1981 through April of 1989. He then was elected highway commissioner, starting his term in May of 1993, and has been elected as Troy Township Highway Commissioner every election since then.
At the Nov. 21 Troy Township Board meeting, Ward made his retirement official. At that time, he recommended his son, Tom Ward, to be appointed to fulfill the remainder of his term.
“Tom has worked for me at the Highway Department, both on a part-time and full-time basis, throughout the past 17 years,” Dan said. “Tom is familiar with the operations of the Highway Department, the equipment and all processes and procedures. I believe that Tom would be an asset for the township and would serve our residents well.
“I also trust that Tom will take pride in his job and will perform the duties of commissioner at the level I expect from him and at the level the residents of Troy Township have come to expect from me.”
Tom Ward was born and raised in Troy Township, on the Ward Farm. He attended Troy grade schools, Joliet Catholic High School, and studied agriculture at Joliet Junior College. Tom is currently employed at Bell Land Improvement as a supervisor; is experienced in land development, including subdivision, commercial and road building construction; is experienced in storm drainage; and has been a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 24 years.
Tom is OSHA (1926) Competent Person Training Certified and certified in Hazardous Waste Awareness. Tom is also a member of the Will County Farm Bureau, a member of the Moose Lodge in Joliet, and member of St. Ann’s Church in Channahon. Tom is married to Kimberly, and they have two children.
“Knowing my father’s passion for the position, I am honored and humbled he has chosen me for his replacement,” Tom said after his appointment. “My dad always told me it goes beyond well maintained roads and impeccable snow removal, its about helping people, the residents of Troy Township.
“I would also like to thank Supervisor Joe Baltz, Clerk George Muentnich, as well as the board of trustees for their support and their confidence in me.
I am excited to get started, understand the economic challenges we face as a community, and look forward to working with Supervisor Baltz, the Trustees and the township staff. I am eager to earn the respect and trust of the residents of Troy Township, just as I feel my father has.”
“Dan has been the Highway Commissioner for more than 18 years,” Baltz remarked. “It has been a pleasure working with him during that time. I consider the township very fortunate to have someone like Tom ready to step in and take over as commissioner upon Dan’s retirement.
“Tom has the needed knowledge and expertise to do this job successfully and I know the residents of Troy Township will be well served by him.”
For more information about Troy Township visit www.troytownship.com.