In this column last month, I mentioned that the Exchange Club would announce the Firefighter of the year in October. 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.
In October, the Exchange Club of Naperville honored Fire Lieutenant James Perkovich as the 2017-18 Firefighter of the Year at their October 6, 2017 lunch. Lieutenant Perkovich has been a member of the Naperville Fire Department since 2001. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Management from Columbia Southern University. He also is one of two people on the Naperville Fire Department to hold an Illinois Advanced Fire Officer certification. He is an instructor at the Illinois Fire Service Institute and also for the Naperville Fire Academy. He was instrumental in improving department policy by proposing changes that enhance firefighter safety.
The Exchange Club congratulates Fire Lieutenant James Perkovich! The lieutenant will participate as a Rib Judge at 2018 Ribfest, ride in the 2018 Last Fling Parade and accompany Mrs. Pat Shanower in the laying of the wreath during the September 11th Observance next year.
The Exchange Club meets on the first Friday of the month at 11:45AM at Hugo’s Frog Pond as well as the third Thursday at 5:30PM at Sullivan’s Steak House or another place to be announced.
On another note, the Annual Breaking Free Dinner, hosted by Jr. Excel, will be held Thurs., Dec. 7, at La Sierra De Aurora in Aurora. High school students host the holiday dinner for dozens of local families (usually several hundred attendees) impacted by addiction.
Naperville Exchangite Roz Morris again serves as chair with Jr. Excel. The community is welcome to contribute donations of food for families to take home, donations of money and desserts for the guests.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the members of the Exchange Club of Naperville, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
