ThisWeek CW 11/28/2013
Madison Township’s public works building will be renamed next spring in honor of retiring Road Superintendent Terry Spangler and his family.
The announcement at the Nov. 20 trustees’ meeting was a surprise to Spangler, who will retire at the end of December after 25 years of service to the community.
Trustee Victor Paini presented a flag and plaque to Spangler, who, with his wife Brenda beside him, gave a tear-filled speech thanking everyone in the room.
“I really appreciate this honor and if dad was still alive, he’d have really appreciated it, too,” he said. “It’s been so wonderful working with all of these people.
“I want to thank the trustees for the trust and respect they’ve given me and I want the residents to know just how hard these people work, and that they always have Madison Township’s best interests in heart. I especially want to thank my wife.”
Paini said while gathering background information about Spangler joining Madison Township’s road crew in 1989, he discovered that Brenda Spangler had encouraged her husband to take the job.
“Terry’s father, Paul, had worked on the crew since 1980 and had recently became the road superintendent, asking his son to join him on the road crew, saying he’d always wanted to work with him,” Paini said. “According to Brenda, this was going to be a pay cut for Terry, which made it a difficult decision, but she encouraged him to take it, and he did, and we hope he feels it worked out well for him.”
Trustee Gary McDonald said the honor was well deserved by Spangler, maybe even more than some people know. McDonald, a retired Madison Township police officer, said Spangler’s efforts may have helped save lives during various snow emergencies over the years.
“I remember a few times where he and his crew were plowing their way through the snow and ice with us following directly behind them in the cruiser so that we could get to an accident or other problem,” McDonald said. “If it wasn’t for them clearing the way, we’d probably have lost a few people over the years.”
Spangler will be succeeded as road superintendent by David Weaver, who has spent the past 19 years working under Spangler on the township road crew. Weaver said he’ll really get under way after the new year, but until then, he’ll be working closely with Spangler to make the transition to his new job.
“I appreciate everybody and I hope you treat Dave well and give him all the same respect you’ve given me,” Spangler said.