Over 10 years ago, a very valuable person who helped the city in many capacities, for several years, retired. Danny Tate would be very hard to replace.  But fortunately for Chillicothe on June the 21st, 1954 in Peoria a 3rd son was born to the delight of Gail and Louise Myers. Like his brothers before him, he would become a compliment and a credit to his hometown, and some years later he would fill those empty shoes perfectly in a part-time position as Mr. Fix It and go to guy when our town needs him most. With a resume of qualifications and credentials as long and wide as the Illinois River, Jerry has saved thousands of dollars for the taxpayers over the years.

   

Our Public Works Department Superintendent, holds Jerry in very high regards and shudders to think of productivity without him. He is always ready, able, and willing to perform a multitude of different jobs, when called upon. In addition to being a top notch electrician, he can operate some heavy equipment as well as the use of acquired limited carpentry skills. He is a problem solver and trouble shooter working part-time for the city and on top of all that, he’s just a pretty darn nice guy, which is probably what Julie Johnson saw in him when they worked together at Orrin D. Phillips in 1983.  They have two children—a son Bryan and a daughter Lindsay.

   

At age 7, his father kept him busy at Myers Produce and with his brothers, the business prospered. He graduated in 1972 from CHS where he played 4 years of football. In 1974 he started his career at Cilco that lasted 38 years.

   

He attended ICC for two years and has 36 years of experience in electrical maintenance and construction electrician knowledge. During his time with Ameren he received The Ameren first year Presidents Award. Our city hall, police station, and public works building are all under his care as well as the city lights and flag displaying where needed.  Most people will never see all of his contributions of economic value, but all people should know who’s responsible for them. 

   

Jerry has over 20 years of volunteer service on the fire department from 1973 to 1995. He was an instructor for IDOT of Emergency Rescue Technicians. For 12 of those years, he was a teacher of Auto Accident Extrication and High Rise Rescue. Proud to be part of his band of brothers at the fire station is so important to him along with helping others and serving the community as a first responder. Gail and Louise’s gift to Chillicothe in 1954 has paid off with great dividends for the city and all three of their sons have made very significant contributions as well.  Husband, father, son, brother, President of St. Edwards School Board, instructor, Park District Trustee 12 years, Parochial soccer coach, baseball coach, basketball coach, and much more.

   

Einstein  said “ Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Jerry has graduated with both of those goals in tow from the school of life and our town is the better for it.  So when you see him on the street, stop and shake his hand and tell him you appreciate his service.  There have been and always will be Home Town Heros in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature, and now former Senior Captain of  the Chillicothe Fire Department, Jerry Michael Myers joins those ranks.