The Americanism Committee of the Exchange Club of Naperville will host its 2015 Firefighter of the Year recognition during its regular luncheon meeting on Fri., Oct. 16, at Hugo’s Frog Pond, located in Main Street Promenade at 55 E. Van Buren Ave.
The Exchange Club presents this honor annually during Fire Prevention Month.
For 2015, the Firefighter of the Year is Fire Fighter/Paramedic Art Rauch.
Surprise Announcement
As has become tradition, members of the Exchange Club surprise the honoree prior to the club’s formal presentation.
Surrounded by fellow firefighters on Oct. 8, Rauch received news of the award during an early morning visit at Station #9 where he was presented with a special cake.
“We got to eat cake at 7AM with Art, Chief Mark Puknaitis, and several ranking members of the Naperville Fire Department, all in crisp white shirts looking very official,” said Trish Krenick with Exchange Club President Dan DeBoo.
Rauch was chosen for his dedication and courage. He serves as a member of the Naperville Fire Department Honor Guard as well as several specialty teams including the technical rescue team and public education team. He is also a member of the MABAS 22 fire investigation team.
In addition, Rauch gives back to the community by teaching both fire and emergency medical care at a community college and volunteering at his local grade school to teach fire safety to young children.
When Rauch is formally recognized on Friday, his family, other first responders and city dignitaries will be in attendance, organizers said.
Update! Presentation by Exchange Club
Above / During the Oct. 16 meeting of the Exchange Club of Naperville, Firefighter / Paramedic Art Rauch was recognized as Firefighter of the Year. (PN Photo)
Above / During the Oct. 16 meeting, Exchange Club of Naperville President Dan DeBoo presented NFD Chief Mark Puknaitis with an honorarium in support of their public safety efforts. According to Emy Trotz, in the past, the NFD has used the funds for smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms for seniors. (PN Photo)
Exchange Club luncheons welcome guests
Community members always are welcome to attend the regular luncheon meetings that begin at 11:45AM on the first and third Fridays of any month. Typically meetings end by 1:15PM.
To reserve a space, email administrator@e
Note that the location and date of meetings may change for One Nation Under God, Allocations Luncheon and when Ribfest falls on a first Friday). Guests always are welcome to visit to get to know more about Exchange Club and their many initiatives that serve the community.
The cost for lunch is $20 cash or check payable to Exchange Club of Naperville. Seating is limited. Call (630) 881-2053 in advance to reserve a spot.
For more info, visit exchangeclub.org.
Other Exchange Club Activities
Above / In addition to recognizing the 2015 Firefighter of the Year last week, Exchange Club President Dan DeBoo gave a presentation to approximately 400 attendees at the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Conference. (Photo courtesy Trish Krenick)
The Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Conference is a yearly two-day event, held alternately in Springfield and in northern Illinois, according to the Exchange Club of Naperville Secretary Trish Krenick.
For 2015, the two-day conference was held Oct. 8-9 at the Naperville/Lisle Hilton.
The Exchange Club of Naperville is instrumental in funding the conference, this year with over 400 attendees.
During the luncheon, “President Dan DeBoo eloquently explained to the audience that it was an honor to be able to ensure that the work of preventing child abuse continue by funding the conference,” noted Krenick.
According to the National Exchange Club’s website, the service club’s national initiative to prevent child abuse was adopted in 1979 with the encouragement of National President Dr. Edward North, Jr., a physician from Jackson, Mississippi. North had observed increased incidences of abuse through his medical practice.
The conference is attended by people employed in social work as well as those dedicated volunteers who further the work. Seminars and CEU classes are offered during the conference to make sure that the most current information is available to those who need it in their line of work.
(Editor’s Note: During the early 1970s, concerned parents in Naperville also had begun heightening awareness to address prevention needs with nonprofit agencies that were founded such as 360 Youth Services (then Naperville Community Outreach) and Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Services. Â Since 1987, Exchange Club of Naperville has continued to heighten awareness of related social service needs.)
Did you know?
Chartered in 1987, the Exchange Club of Naperville is a service organization comprised of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national program—The Prevention of Child Abuse.
Nationwide, Exchange Club is dedicated to the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence.
The Exchange Club of Naperville Ribfest has become the club’s biggest volunteer service and fundraising project. Thanks to more than $12.5 million raised at Ribfest since 1989, the Exchange Club of Naperville has given financial contributions to more than 50 local charities.
Exchange Club of Naperville 2016 Ribfest is slated for Fri., July 1, through Mon., July 4, at Knoch Park.
Project HELP is a nonprofit organization established by the Exchange Club of Naperville in 1992, and accredited by the National Exchange Club as a Child Abuse Prevention center.
News release and photos by Trish Krenick from Emy Trotz for Exchange Club of Naperville
Editor’s Note / Additional “Firefighter of the Year” Photos by James Hoch Photography
