Article Summary: The Village of New Lenox paid tribute to the late Bill Pitakei, a longtime member and deputy director of the village’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA), honoring him with a proclamation and the retirement of his badge number.

Bill Pitakei Tribute Key Points:

• Mayor Tim Baldermann presented a proclamation to the family of Bill Pitakei, who passed away in July after decades of service to New Lenox.

• Pitakei was remembered for his unwavering dedication to the community and his passion for public safety, responding to thousands of calls over his career.

• The village is permanently retiring his badge, #502, and will add the graphic “WPP502” to all ESDA vehicles in his memory.

NEW LENOX — The New Lenox Village Board began its Monday meeting with an emotional tribute to Bill Pitakei, the late deputy director of the New Lenox Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA), who was remembered for a lifetime of selfless community service.

Mayor Tim Baldermann read a proclamation honoring Pitakei, who passed away in July, and presented it to his family. Pitakei joined the New Lenox ESDA in 2000 and dedicated tens of thousands of hours to the village, responding to thousands of calls.

“Bill really gave up a lot of other things that he could have pursued in his life, both personally and professionally, so he could serve this town,” Baldermann said. “Despite struggling with health issues for a good portion of his life, Bill was always there for others, sacrificing himself so he could give to his community, to his friends, and to his family.”

The proclamation highlighted his passion for law, influenced by his father, a Chicago police officer, and his unwavering dedication. In his honor, the village will retire his badge, #502, and add a memorial graphic to all ESDA vehicles.

Mike Pitakei, Bill’s brother, thanked the village for the tribute.

“My brother loved New Lenox probably as much as anybody that’s ever been in town,” he said. “It was really, really important for him for everything to make this the best and safest town possible… He just wanted to make it safe for all you people and everyone that lives here in this town.”