Local resident Anthony Jones recently retired after working in the West Chester Public Works Department for more than four decades, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.
Nicknamed “The Original Mayor of West Chester,” Jones worked for seven public works directors over forty-one years of service. The West Chester borough held a ceremony in his honor at a recent council meeting, where Jones received a citation and keys to the borough.
The West Chester Public Works department manages the borough’s infrastructure and assets. Responsibilities include traffic signals, waste collection, sewer systems, public parks, and more.
Since his retirement, Jones has reflected on how West Chester has changed since the start of his career.
Jones shared that when he first started, many public works employees were veterans. Jones himself started the role after serving in the U.S. Army.
He also shared how safety measures have changed over the decades. New protocols, including partnering new employees with an experienced mentor, make the job significantly safer for all.
Additionally, years ago, West Chester police traveled via motorcycle and used no canine units.
Regarding his career takeaways, he reflected on how well he knows the inner workings of West Chester, from the underground tunnels to how to best navigate borough traffic.
While he misses his coworkers and his internal alarm clock still wakes him up at four in the morning, Jones looks forward to fishing, relaxing, and spending more time with his children Antonio and Andrew in his retirement.
Read more about Anthony Jones and the local resident’s decades-long public service career in The Daily Local News.
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