Excerpts from the northwestherald.com:
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District recently honored firefighters, officers, paramedics, and Board of Trustee members for a total combined 600 years of volunteer or part-time service to the 60,000 residents in the 56-square-mile fire district. Additionally, the recently sworn-in members were honored for achieving goals toward earning firefighting, EMT, and paramedic certifications.
“This annual event allows us the opportunity to gather together as a group to recognize and honor the many years of service of our dedicated personnel here at the McHenry Township Fire Protection District,” Chief Tony Huemann said. “This year we had members recognized for five years and up to 50 years of service to the organization – not many companies can boast of that length of service or commitment by their personnel. We continually have many each year who reach those high number of years of service.”
More than 170 MTFPD members, community dignitaries, and family members gathered to congratulate those recognized for their years of service.
Those members honored included Lt. Mike Kempster, 20 years; Diana St. Clair, 25 years; Bill Comstock, 30 years; Leora Foreman, 35 years; Capt. Dave Karls, 35 years; Mark Diedrich, 40 years; Trustee Chris Bennett, 50 years; and Capt. Joe Foreman, 39 years of service and Officer of the Year award.