According to a news release from the Village of Oak Park, three public works employees have joined the cleanup efforts in Washington, Illinois, just east of Peoria. The town is in the midst of a large-scale cleanup effort following a Nov. 17 tornado.
Two forestry technicians, Ron Schwab, Dan Bartl, will bring a log loader truck to help remove trees and other debris. The third guy, Charles “Rusty” Miller, from the fleet services division. The Oak Park crew will meet up with other crews from the Chicago area.
The Public Works Department responded to a request for assistance made through a state-wide mutual aid network. The two employees will work the overnight shift, starting around 6 p.m. each day for the next five days. Meals and lodging for the crew will be provided, as well as fuel for their vehicle.
“I am proud of [them] for stepping up so quickly to represent the Village in the cleanup efforts,” said Public Works Director John Wielebnicki in the news release. “They’ll be working hard over the next five days, and we hope their presence makes a real impact on Washington’s recovery.”
For those who would like to donate or volunteer, a Facebook page dedicated to the relief efforts in Washington includes information on charitable organizations operating in the area.
