POTTSTOWN — Fifty years is a long time to be in the same place.
A look back at the year 1974 reveals several significant developments in history: the Watergate scandal resulted in the resignation of Richard Nixon and the elevation of Gerald Ford to the presidency; the Rubik’s Cube puzzle was invented; the Oakland A’s won the World Series beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games and Rollie Fingers was named the series MVP.
It was also the year of the “Rumble in the Jungle,” a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire; incumbent Milton Shapp was reelected to a second term as Pennsylvania’s governor and the Borough of Pottstown made the consequential decision to hire Douglas M. Yerger.
Fifty years later, borough officials maintain Yerger was a good hire.
Since that fateful day, Yerger has served as the assistant electrician, borough electrician, and, for the last 35 years, the director of public works.
“I was 4,” joked state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dist., who was among those who presented Yerger with citations for his years of service. Citations from U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist., state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24th Dist., and Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello were also delivered.
Over the years, Pottstown Public Works Director Doug Yerger has explored and assessed many of the borough’s storm arches. This photo is from an arch section over Tanyard Run, south of High Street. (MediaNews Group File Photo)
Ciresi recounted a time he took Yerger up on an invitation to go down into the borough’s storm sewers to have a look at the situation, a visit cut short by the arrival of a snake. “But it was enough time to get a look at the magnitude of the work you do,” Ciresi told Yerger.
“And I thought I was the old guy here,” said longtime Borough Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr., “but Doug has me beat by a few years.”
Yerger, according to the resolution Borough Manager Justin Keller read during Wednesday’s council work session, “has tirelessly made himself available day and night to respond to emergencies across various departments, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the community, often going above and beyond the call of duty.”
In truth, it’s rare for a Mercury reporter to respond to the scene of a water main, or sewer main break and not find Yerger, raincoat hood up, rubber boots covering his feet, at the scene assessing the damage and consulting with the crew on duty on a solution.
Yerger’s “in-depth knowledge of Pottstown’s infrastructure, both past and present, has been an invaluable asset to the borough” and is near legendary among those who have worked with him for years. It is a knowledge that transcends maps and public records.
Yet despite this historic knowledge, Yerger’s “natural curiosity and passion for learning have driven him to stay consistently up-to-date with emerging trends and technological advancements, ensuring that the Borough remains not only efficient in its operations but also forward-thinking in its approach to future challenges,” according to the resolution.
“Doug has literally touched every corner of the borough and has our deepest appreciation,” said Keller. “I believe he has truly made Pottstown a better place for all of us.”
“Let’s hope we’re not all back here for your 100-year citation,” Ciresi quipped.
