North Aurora Lions Present 2012 Community Awards
The North Aurora Lions club presented their annual community awards for 2012 at a banquet held on January 22nd, 2013 at Gaslite Manor in Aurora. Mark Gaffino was named North Auroran of the Year for 2012. In addition to being a local business owner and village trustee, Gaffino was recognized for his leadership role in the communities North Aurora Days Festival. Also a volunteer with the local youth baseball league and long time supporter of the local public schools, Lion President Doug Botkin noted, "Mark Gaffino is always there working behind the scenes, quietly supporting more things then you can imagine". Gaffino is a lifelong North Aurora resident.
Officer Mark Shillair was recognized as Police Officer of the Year; in part for his efforts on August 4th when he pulled an individual off the Randall Road bridge over I-88 before the man could jump into oncoming traffic below. Officer Shillair's supervisor Sergeant Dan Cyko was on hand to read his nomination for the award, as was Chief David Summer who offered high praise for the entire department in his opening remarks. Shillair has been a member of the North Aurora Police Department for seven years and is currently assigned to the evening shift patrol.
Firefighter Dan Coady was named North Aurora Firefighter of the year for the 3rd time in his 5 years with the department. Chief Steve Miller noted that Coady consistently goes above and beyond the call duty.
In other awards, Lion Jim Davis, a WWII veteran and 35-year member of the North Aurora Lions was recognized as Lion of the Year for 2012. Davis chaired the club's Candy Day and Tootsie Pop Day fundraising activities, and also coordinated the local Sight and Sound sweepstakes for the Lions of Illinois Foundation. He serves on the Board of Directors and handles many of the club's administrative needs. Additionally, Lion Robyn Stecklein was named a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow for her exemplary service to the club.
The North Aurora Lions were chartered in 1959 and are dedicated to helping the local community in addition to supporting Lions efforts at the State, National and International levels. For more information please call 630-309-0812.