The National Exchange Club’s Firefighter of the Year Program gives clubs opportunities to formally thank their local fire departments for their dedicated service while recognizing special firefighters for their actions above and beyond the call of duty.
This past October, the Exchange Club of Naperville honored Firefighter/Paramedic Art Rauch as the 2015-16 Firefighter of the Year at their monthly luncheon.
Art was chosen from an outstanding number of applicants for his involvement with the NFD Honor Guard as well as his act of courage when he and his brother came upon a vehicle swerving off the roadway at a very slow rate of speed. Art immediately knew something was wrong and noticed the driver was passed out while driving. He pulled his vehicle over and raced after the car to help.
Upon reaching the vehicle, he found it was locked. Art was able to break the driver’s window to gain entry. Then he stopped the vehicle, placed it in park, and began to provide first aid to the unresponsive patient. He continued to provide care until the ambulance arrived and even assisted the ambulance with further treatment.
As the Firefighter of the Year, Art will be a Ribfest Judge, ride in the 2016 Last Fling Parade with our Police Officer of the Year and participate in the September 11th Memorial Service.
The Exchange Club is honored to present Art Rauch as the 2015-16 Firefighter of the Year.
Last month the Exchange Club of Naperville also took part in the National Day of Service. The program began in 1999 and takes place annually on the fourth Saturday of October. This day provides Exchange members with new ways to serve their community and bring positive exposure to their club. This year we helped at Hesed House and assisted where needed.
