Mount Prospect honors firefighters for work in the community

Mount Prospect recently recognized several firefighters for their years of service, as well as their extra work to make the community a better place.

Among the firefighters recognized was Kevin Swat, a five-year veteran who is an EMS Peer Educator, CPR Instructor and a member of the department’s school safety program. An advanced technician firefighter and a member of the Union Executive Board, Swat also has coordinated the department’s “Fill the Boot” drive the past three years to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Also recognized was Tony Rossi, a paid-on-call firefighter for 10 years and the paid-on-call board president. He is active in many fundraising events, and helps out with the department’s open house and is active in the annual toy drive.

Another 10-year veteran as a paid-on-call firefighter, Bettina Heller, serves on the department’s fundraising committee and public education committee, and is a past board member of the paid-on-call department. She also is active with the open house, food drive and the Oberweis fundraiser.

Mike Hayes, who’s been with the department 10 years, is a Union Executive Board member, has served on the Fire Station 14 construction committee, previously organized the MDA boot drive, has been an EMS peer educator and has volunteered at the department food drives at Costco.

Scott Ginsberg, who has served 10 years as a paid-on-call firefighter, is on the paid-on-call board and serves on the fundraising committee.

Dale Steward, who has been with the fire department for 25 years, has coordinated the department’s toy drive for 17 years. He currently serves as union president for Local 4119. Among his accomplishments are serving on two EMS committees at Northwest Community Hospital. He also has coordinated the prom night program at Prospect High School for 13 years. In 2005, Steward deployed to Louisiana for two weeks to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Also honored for five years was Craig Rodewald. Honored for 10 years were Torrie Wolczyz, Tom Wang and Todd Novak. Honored for 15 years was Joe Knoll, while Tony Minarcik and Kevin Christianson were honored for 20 and 25 years, respectively.