The City of Marion Transportation Department’s full-time mechanic is retiring after nearly 14 years and about 50 total years in the automotive industry. Phil Sheveily was hired in January of 2009 as the Department’s only mechanic for Marion Transit buses, and served in the position beyond expectation.
Transportation Director Jeff Edwards said, “He’s been the best mechanic in the state, bar none. He’s kept these buses running without fail. He did stuff that most mechanics would send out. He was a preventive mechanic which made my job less worrisome.” Edwards said Sheveily’s position will be difficult to replace. “I just want to find a person who cares. He would help a lot of people out. If one of the drivers came in with a personal vehicle problem, he would help them diagnose it, and even fix it. Furthermore, I had good trust in Phil. Having a good mechanic is priceless because it’s hard to find someone good that you can also trust. He is going to be missed.”
Sheveily is a certified Master Mechanic, Master Engine Machinist, and a reasonable suspicion supervisor with credentials to determine the best procedure in the event of an accident. Sheveily is CPR certified. In 2019, he was in the City of Marion Employee Spotlight for extraordinary work. In Sheveily’s career with the City, he instrumentally assisted many other departments with repairs and maintenance plans.
Sheveily cited many highlights in working for the City. “I was given control and freedom with the job. I didn’t have to ask permission to repair a vehicle. It’s important to have the buses running, so any repair needs done as quickly as possible.” Sheveily talked about the job’s benefits which he said is rare. “A lot of shops don’t have benefits, retirement plans, or even paid time off, and I had all of that. If someone wants to do this job, they need to understand it’s more than a job.” (The City is accepting applicants through Friday, June 10th).
In Sheveily’s all-time career, he has built engines for sport cars from the Crosley to Rolls Royce. “I used to run a shop in Warsaw called Classic Car Center. Clients were stars, bands, celebrities – for 6 years. I helped turn around their business. I also used to have a shop called Red Line where I built engines for Gas City Raceway. For 48 years, I took engine parts and build them back to new for Auto Tech (formerly Frank’s Piston Service). I started there when I was 16.”
Sheveily will officially retire from the City of Marion on June 17th, 2022.
