Photo Caption: From L to R, Asst Highway Supervisor Jim Polarek, Commissioners Jeff Good & Laura Blaney, Jeff Grogan, Lisa Grogan, Commissioner Jim Biggs, Highway Supervisor Rich Sexton.
Over 57% of Porter County’s current population weren’t even born when Jeff Grogan started working for the Porter County Highway Department on August 13, 1979. After 42 years of service, Jeff will be retiring on December 1st.
The job of a Highway Department Driver & Maintenance Worker is strenuous. During the spring, summer and fall, they work to repair and reconstruct our roads and bridges, replace or repair culverts, mow ditches, trim trees and much more. During the winter months, they plow and salt over 815 miles of roads to keep our citizens safe during winter weather events. This includes missing time with their families while working on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, weekends and holidays.
Jeff was recognized for his service to the people of Porter County by the Board of Commissioners at their November 2nd meeting and was awarded the “Golden Shovel”, a longstanding tradition for retiring Highway Department employees.
Yet, when Jeff addressed the Board of Commissioners and the audience, this humble man touchingly spoke only of his gratitude to county government and his appreciation to his wife Lisa for her support and sacrifice over the past 42 years. The room went silent as he spoke and there were several people wiping away tears. His heartfelt remarks drew a standing ovation by all who were present in the room. The video of Jeff’s remarks can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/PorterCountyGovernment/videos/858049424883482
On behalf of the Porter County Board of Commissioners, Porter County Council and the Porter County Highway Department management & staff, we honor Jeff’s forty-two years of exemplary service to the people of Porter County and wish Jeff & Lisa many wonderful adventures during their well-deserved retirement.
