Longtime Maintenance Supervisor Hangs Up Hard Hat

After more than four decades at the Chicago Marine Terminal, Steve Thornton is retiring on March 31. He joined the team in 1985, and Watco later acquired the terminal in 2017.

As maintenance supervisor, Thornton oversees mechanics who repair and maintain all heavy equipment at the facility, ensuring everything from boom cranes to loaders runs smoothly. Known for his unmatched expertise and quick problem-solving, Thornton is admired by all for his mechanical knowledge.

Terminal Manager Steven Caudle said, “Steve is THE guy. His knowledge is superior and unmatched. Team members at this terminal and beyond look up to him and enjoy learning from him.

Reflecting on his many memories of Thornton, Caudle recalled one day in the mid-90s that involved two boom cranes unloading barges. While unloading, a new operator didn’t realize the crane’s tracks were lifting. This put it at risk of falling into the river. Despite Caudle and another team member’s efforts to stabilize the situation, they could not stop the crane from falling into the river.

That’s when Thornton acted quickly and jumped into the crane engine compartment, killing the power and jumping out the other side. This allowed the crane to settle without any damage. Caudle described Thornton’s calm, decisive actions as truly heroic, comparing him to a superhero for saving the day and ensuring everyone’s safety. 

In his retirement, Thornton plans to stay busy by working on his old cars and keeping his mechanical skills sharp.

Caudle went on to say, “Steve is not only a great person, but someone I’ve come to rely on deeply. His presence will be truly missed around here. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Steve.”