Front row, from left, Steve Moriarty (superintendent), Bob Tusing (retired truck driver), Dan Conkling( retired truck driver), Larry Phillips (truck driver honored for 50 years of service), Debbie Winger (office manager), Beverly Romine (administrative assistant). 
Back row, from left: Troy Kintzel (assistant superintendent), ScottTilden (former superintendent, now retired), Mike Walther (shop foreman), Gene Shepherd (retired road foreman),  Rodney Kern (retired road foreman), Tom Sorenson (retired truck driver), Randy Roberts (drainage supervisor). InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Larry Phillips, of Syracuse, was presented with a plaque at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Jan. 5, for 50 years of service with the Kosciusko County Highway Department.

Highway Department Superintendent Steve Moriarty shared a few words about Phillips, affectionately referred to as “Wally.”

Phillips was presented with a plaque for 50 years of service.

“Today we’re here to honor Larry Phillips. Larry started at the county highway Jan. 6, 1971. He has worked at the county highway department for 50 years,” Moriarty said.

“Wally, as he’s known, has spent countless hours maintaining our county roads making them safe for the community, even during holidays, working long hours, spending time away from his own family so that others can travel safely to their families.”

Moriarty said Phillips has been a district patrolman for 29 years, being on call 24/7, often being called out in the middle of the night.

“I know most of the community is very thankful for the years of service,” Moriarty said, adding “Also the local  restaurants in Syracuse are very thankful for Larry’s support — that’s how he got the nickname ‘Wally.'” The latter comment drew a round of laughter from Phillips’ fellow co-workers who showed up for the presentation, many now retired.

“On a serious note, the highway is a very close family and for Larry, we look up to him as being the young grandpa we all look up to,” Moriarty said. “Thank you, Larry, for your dedication to the county highway with your years of service. We’re all very thankful for your service.”

“I’m just well blessed,” Phillips said. “I’ve had two families — one with the highway department and one with my own family.”

Phillips’ wife, Darlene, passed away four years ago. He has one daughter, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

He described the Blizzard of 78’ as the worst winter he ever worked.

“I lived that one all the way through. I didn’t get to go home for two weeks. They stationed me at the fire station in North Webster and we were out with the EMS and stuff,” Phillips said. “I was plowing in a prairie over in Nappanee when that happened and I remember back then we had the high wing snow plows. They were tall enough that when you set them on the road you couldn’t see out your windshield on either side. I was going through roads with snow as high as the top of the light posts.”

“I’ve lived it. I’ve been there. I’ve done it all,” Phillips said. “When you’ve got an ambulance behind you and it’s somebody’s life, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Phillips said he’s had two babies born in the seat of his dump truck over the years when ambulances were unable to make it to the homes due to severe weather conditions.

Despite already devoting 50 years to the highway department, he has no desire to stop anytime soon.

“As long as I can pass my CDL physical, I’ll be here,” Phillips said.

Former KC Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden, Phillips, KC Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty

KC Commissioner Vice President Bob Conley, Phillips and Commissioner Cary Groninger