Retiring Lewis County Public Works mechanic – a dependable problem-solver

CHEHALIS – A truck carrying supplies for road work being done on some of Lewis County’s over 1,000 miles of pavement had become disabled late in the afternoon, threatening to interrupt planned road maintenance.

Lewis County Public Works employee Neal Allen and his coworkers stayed until 2 a.m. the next morning to get the disabled truck running.

That’s one of the countless stories shared by Allen and Central Shop Supervisor Arlie Champ about Allen’s over 23 years with the county.

Allen, 62, retires on Friday, Oct. 27. For more than two decades he has helped keep the county’s heavy equipment – over 300 pieces of equipment valued in the millions of dollars – running smoothly, ensuring that our roads and bridges remain in good condition.

“I have pride and satisfaction that we’ve kept everything (road maintenance vehicles) going, regardless of the situation, so the public can get to where they’re going,” said Allen. “The most challenging was getting county equipment together to assist with the 2007 flood.”

“Neal has been dependable,” noted Champ. “He’s been an indispensable problem-solver – having spent a lot of time on his back fixing rigs in the snow and ice.”

Allen credits the camaraderie with his colleagues Jeff Sanford, Terry Bower and Ben Sabin.

“I’ll miss seeing the guys,” Allen said. “Not the grease, grime and dirt.”

In retirement, Allen says he’ll continue prioritizing time with family, completing home projects, restoring vehicles and riding his motorcycle.