If you spend any time at Compo Beach, you know how great the maintenance staff is.
All day long — and into the night — they empty trash, move benches, and do whatever else is needed to keep the place clean. They are hard-working, polite, and eager to please.
Most faces change over time. But one is constant. Scott Smith writes:
I visit the beach to swim or walk most every day during summer (all year-round, really). For as long as I can recall, I’ve noticed the remarkable work of a Parks & Rec staffer making the rounds to empty the garbage/recycling receptables up and down the roadways and sidewalks.
Michael Johnson is. hands down, the most hard-working employee of any organization, company or place I’ve seen. Driving his golf cart utility vehicle from bin to bin, he’s the reason Compo’s notorious seagulls (basically racoons with wings) haven’t completely taken over the beach.
I’m in awe of his energy.
Today I happened to park alongside a garbage cans he was pulling up to. I asked to take his picture.
He took a moment to oblige. He said he has worked at Compo for 18 years, and was on duty until the end of the season.
Michael Johnson (Photo/Scott Smith)
He’s a cheery guy. But soon he was on his way. Duty calls.
If Michael isn’t an Unsung Hero of 06880, I don’t know who is.
He is! Thanks, Scott, for recognizing Michael Johnson. As all of us who go to Compo do — our Unsung Hero of the Week.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
I agree! I see him every day..In fact there is a (core group) of employees that I see daily all summer long that keep the beach running smoothly. I always gave credit to Carmen Roda for putting these folks in place. Sadly it appears that we have lost Carmen.
this is a great one!!!! Mike is awesome! he helped us at the end of our beach party for the football program on sunday night… He takes such pride in his work, and really is the beach’s last line of clean defense… I wish everybody remembered to leave things as you found them or better, and when they dont, Michael makes it better!
I’m sure this guy is great!!! However, I’m nominating DAN WOOG who has worked 13 hours a day, seven days a week, for 16 years and has NEVER missed a single day of work! NO PERSON living can match his work ethic.
No one hustles more than he does! Bravo!
I worked the Beach maintenance crew the summer of ‘67 for Parks & Rec. Up at 5:00 a.m. to clean the beach, filled the oil drums and then drive the beach picking those heavy buggers up by tossing them up to the garbage truck. Worst was cleaning the bathrooms at the half way house at Longshore. But we got free golf and were off early so we had the afternoon to chill. Great bunch of guys and the memory is positive. The job is probably twice what it was back then so a good shout out to Mr. Johnson and his crew. Bravo Zulu!
Michael is absolutely the best! He’ll give us a big hi while never missing a beat in his work. Always look forward to seeing him.
I’m sure every single worker at Parks and Recreation are dedicated hardworking employees! Kudos to them all. Now I’m purposing a new idea for Westport. How about once a year the town honors an employee and we call it “The Woog Award” and they receive an extra bonus of some sort, to be determined at a later date. It can be done every month if that’s what is decided. It can be an extra week’s pay or something else, and teachers are also eligible too for the Woog Award. Let’s do this Westport!! Honor your hard workers in town.
Someone needs attention today 🙁
Careful Blank, sarcasm’s cute, until it’s the only thing people remember you for. You pay too much attention to me!
Okay.. someone said to me my idea could be too expensive so a $1,000 dollar bonus would be more reasonable. One person a month recognized would only cost the town $12,000 dollars. So my recommendation would be a $1,000 award. I think Westport should do this!
Michael has been with Parks and Recreation since 2008. I remember when he first started—he was always excited, energetic, and ready to help. Nearly 20 years later, he still brings that same dedication and passion to his work and our community. It’s great watching him grow and seeing everything he has done for Westport. Micheal remembers everyone’s name, as everyone remembers his.
FYI he loves the Yankees and watching them on tv!
Michael is a great guy from a great family. This is well deserved recognition.
Michael is hard working and always pleasant. I used to work with him at Tauck and he works just as hard there and still does. He is incredible and just so sweet. Always has a smile and a hello for you.
Michael is very conscientious. He is fast and doesn’t get distracted. I know him and his family from Church.