Jeff Thiem promoted to assistant superintendent at Athol DPW

ATHOL – Jeff Thiem, a longtime employee at the Department of Public Works, has taken on a new role as assistant superintendent.

On April 6, Paul Raskevitz was named DPW superintendent, following the retirement of Dick Kilhart. Two weeks ago, Raskevitz, with the agreement of Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, tapped Thiem to serve as assistant superintendent.

The two have had little time to reflect on the impact of their promotions, either personally or professionally, as the department has a full slate of projects underway.

“This is the busiest time of year, and we also have some major legacy projects going on around town,” said Raskevitz. “It’s been very busy. We have literally been running non-stop for several years, which is wonderful for the town.”

Raskevitz said he has worked in the field of public works “for the better part of my life.” After working for the East Hampton Highway Department for a short time in the late ‘90s, he worked for the Guilford Railroad (now PanAm). Eventually, he found himself with the DPW in Greenfield, where he worked as master mechanic, shop foreman, and assistant superintendent for parks, water and sewer, eventually becoming field superintendent and, finally, deputy superintendent. Just about seven years ago, Raskevitz came to Athol as assistant director under Kilhart.

Upon graduating fromAthol High School in 2011, Thiem, 33, went to work for Pete’s Tire Barn; after working as assistant manager at the Gardner store, he eventually ended up in the corporate offices. His first job with Athol in 2016 was a truck driver and laborer for the cemetery, parks, and tree division. 

“But I wanted to go to work outside,” he said. “Since I’ve been here in Athol, I’ve worked my way up. Over the last few years I’ve been focused on getting more licenses; my water licenses, my arborist license, pesticide.

“With my licenses, I’ve been able to work in pretty much all departments,” he added. “I can help with water and highway projects. I would like to stay in public works, and I would like to stay in Athol.”

One might say a friendly competition exists between Thiem and his twin brother, Jaret, who is public works director for the town of Royalston.

“He sometimes jokes that if I ever make superintendent he would come over here and we could spend our final years together here in Athol,” Jeff Thiem added.

Raskevitz said he has been in the office more in the last few weeks than he has been out in the field.

“I hope to get to a point where we can both be out and about, but right now, there’s so much going on,” he said. “There’s millions of dollars in projects going on, so we need to make sure there’s continuity. We both need to know all the engineers, all the inspectors, all the standards we have to meet, but right now I’m probably being a little overbearing on (Jeff).”

Projects include continuation of the Five Points improvements and the resurfacing of Main Street from the South Main Street Bridge to Athol High School, due to get underway soon. While those jobs are being done by the state, Athol’s public works leaders need to make sure all goes well.

“I’ve worked here for 10 years, so I’m familiar with the inner workings on the town side of things,” Jeff Thiem said. “So, I need to get to know our state partners.”

Both men say the more feedback from residents, the better.

“Anything we do, we love to talk about it,” Raskevitz said. “If people have questions come in.”

“I think people should know this is a very approachable department,” Jeff Thiem added. “I grew up here. I’d like to see Athol continue to grow and be better. People can help us do that.”