Above / CAPS Award recipients are honored at the Naperville Fire Department Recognition Dinner in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika every October. Prior to the event, an exhibit of emergency equipment welcomes guests to learn about the City’s emergency management team. Begin now to think of NFD employees to nominate for the same time next year.
UPDATE, Oct. 20, 2017 / “Another impressive showing at the CAPS Ceremony last night!,” said photographer Jim Hoch. “Kudos to all the award recipients.”
According to the photos of the program, more than 20 members in the Fire Department were honored with various awards, including the George Winkler Award given in memory of 26-year veteran, George Winkler. This year firefighter and paramedic Chris Garon received the award to recognize his dedication to the NFD. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioner’s Award went to Lieutenant James Perkovich, who earlier in the month was recognized as 2017 Firefighter of the Year by the Exchange Club of Naperville.
Original Post, Sept. 18, 2017 / The Naperville Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) board is currently accepting nominations from the community to recognize Naperville Fire Department personnel for outstanding service. Nominations are due by Oct. 1 and can be submitted by visiting www.napervillecaps.com.
CAPS is a tax exempt, non-profit community group that recognizes public safety personnel for their contributions to the City of Naperville. Every year, residents are asked to nominate public safety employees who have displayed an interest in Naperville’s residents in a manner above and beyond the call of duty and exhibited a genuine concern for the welfare and well-being of all citizens.
The CAPS board selects individuals from nominations submitted to receive awards during two events hosted annually, one in the spring for the Police Department and one in the fall for the Fire Department. Recognition for fire department personnel includes the George Winckler Award, a high honor presented to fire department employees who best exemplify the integrity, honesty, dedication and kindness of George Winckler, a beloved 26-year veteran of the Naperville Fire Department who passed away during a training exercise in 1991.
“It’s such a special thing for our firefighters and paramedics to be recognized for their hard work because they are so passionate and so dedicated, and they really do go above and beyond for their community,” said Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis. “It’s means even more when that recognition comes from the citizens, and we’re grateful to the CAPS board for giving residents the opportunity to do show their appreciation for our staff in this way.”
2017 CAPS Dinner in Pavilion at Meson Sabika
The Fire Department Recognition Dinner will take place at 6:30PM on Thurs., October 19, 2017, in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave.
“This year we are asking the entire Naperville community to participate,” said CAPS Chairman David Wentz. “They can submit a nomination for one of our CAPS awards and also purchase tickets to attend the recognition dinner. It is a fantastic event and well worth the $30.”
Space is limited and tickets are available for purchase for $30 at the Fire Department, 1380 Aurora Ave., or by calling Ruthi Sommers at (630) 305-5900.
For more information about CAPS, visit www.napervillecaps.com or www.naperville.il.us/caps.aspx.