The Village of Evergreen Park board of trustees recently named Gino Carusi Employee of the Year.

Carusi manages the driving range, arriving early to set up and clean the balls, and not leaving until everything is locked up and ready to be closed for the night. He also works in the community center with the maintenance team, where he cleans, repairs and sanitizes. 

Mayor Kelly Burke said the decision to name Carusi to be the first Employee of the Year was due to an overwhelming public demand. Burke read comments of praise from Recreation Department Coordinator Jill Lynn during a meeting on Jan. 3.

“He is not only dedicated, but he puts his heart into every task," Burke read. "He is a valued employee, but an even better friend. I'm confident he would never ask for any extra attention or accolades, but it is well-deserved and I couldn't think of a better representative for the first annual Employee of the Year award for the Village of Evergreen Park.”

Carusi was described as being a good role model worker who is willing to assist with any project, while respecting and valuing people. Co-workers had high praise for Carusi, saying he is an employee that the city could never afford to lose. Burke said Carusi was the the ideal candidate to be named as the first recipient of the award.

“Gino is always present, reliable and positive – no matter the situation,” Burke read.

Evergreen Park recently began choosing Employee of the Quarter awards to honor those who work hard to make the neighborhood a great place to live. Carusi was chosen out of the quarterly winners and presented with an award for his recognition at the meeting.