Beloved City Cameraman Stunned by Anniversary Celebration

Jim Alleruzzo is a bit more accustomed to being the man behind the camera.

He has manned the camera and set the programming for Oak Forest public television for the last 25 years, occasionally appearing as a host alongside helper David Poninski.

But Oak Forest officials turned the spotlight around, shining on Alleruzzo during a Feb. 14 City Council meeting. Alleruzzo was honored with a proclamation in his name, celebrating his 25 years of service and passion for public television in Oak Forest.

WATCH Alleruzzo react to the proclamation.

The proclamation illustrates the countless ways Alleruzzo has contributed to public television and the Oak Forest community.

"He has worked tirelessly to film City Council meetings, the Community Awareness Fair, Old Times Picnic, Labor Day parade, Oak Fest, Fleadh, and countless other activities in Oak Forest, as well as cable shoots at JC Penney and other out-of-town venues over the years," the proclamation reads.

Alleruzzo was one of the original members of the Oak Forest Cable Commission, which was formed in the mid-'80s. He has passed down his knowledge of cameras, lighting, audio/visual techniques to others.

"...his interviewing and camera work have made him a familiar face to generations of Oak Forest residents," the proclamation reads. "Using his personal time and through his dedicated efforts, Jim has restored original programming tapes and has become the historian for cable television and the Cable Commission."

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