Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Roderick Sawyer (6th), Alderman Greg Mitchell (7th), Alderman Edward Burke (14th) and Department of Water Management (DWM) Commissioner Barrett Murphy today joined the Sawyer family to commemorate the renaming of the South Water Purification Plan at 3300 East Cheltenham Place to the Eugene Sawyer Water Purification Plant, in honor of the late Mayor.

“Whether it was as a city worker with the sewer department, an alderman representing the 6th Ward, or as the City of Chicago’s 53rd Mayor, Eugene Sawyer was the epitome of a public servant and the demonstration of a Chicagoan,” said Mayor Emanuel.

Alderman Burke, Alderman Sawyer and Alderman Mitchell introduced the resolution to rename the DWM facility. It was approved by the Chicago City Council earlier this year.

“My father was a great role model to me in so many ways,” said Alderman Sawyer. “I am honored that he is being acknowledged and remembered for his dedication to the City of Chicago.”

Eugene Sawyer worked for the Sewer Department for 12 years before serving as alderman for 16 years. He was elected Acting Mayor in 1987 after the death of Mayor Harold Washington.

“Eugene Sawyer was a great unifier, leading by thought and deed, and never retreating from his principles or conviction,” Alderman Burke said. “It is a fitting tribute, an expression of our gratitude, and a deserving but long-overdue honor to a friend and respected colleague, that the City Council adopted legislation renaming the South Water Purification Plant as the Eugene Sawyer Water Purification Plant.”

During his tenure, Mayor Sawyer pushed through progressive initiatives including the City’s Human Rights Ordinance.

Mayor Sawyer is survived by his wife Veronica and his three children; Alderman Roderick Sawyer, Shedrick Sawyer and Sheryl Sawyer-McGill.

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