Excerpts from byronfire.com:
This past December, Byron Fire District Chief Galen Bennett retired after 38 years of service.
Chief Bennett started his career with the Byron Fire District as a volunteer before the department had full-time firefighters. In the early years he was involved in training with Exelon Fire Brigade members working closely with the fire marshal at the plant to establish a training program for them. Galen also was instrumental in rope and vertical rescue training before most people knew there was a true need for it. He was later involved in several haz-mat training classes to help the department prepare for these emergencies. In 2007 Galen became a deputy chief and then was appointed chief of the department in 2008. On December 9th the fire department and community celebrated his retirement which he will spend enjoying golf, officiating at track meets, and time with his family. Chief Bennett has contributed very much to the department and the community. He will be missed.
