American Legion honors Elgin firefighter, police sergeant

Elgin firefighter Jason Walczak and police Sgt. Chris Troiola were honored Tuesday night by American Legion Post 57 in a ceremony that also recognized longtime post members.

Walczak was named Firefighter of the Year and Troiola was named Officer of the Year, said Tricia Dieringer, who served as master of ceremonies for the event and is a past post commander.

Among the members recognized were Gerald Regan, who was honored for 65 years of membership with the post, and Norma Sleeman, who celebrated 60 years of membership in the post's auxiliary, Dieringer said. Both live in Elgin.

The police and fire awards, which the post has been giving out since the late 1960s, are based on outstanding personal and professional achievements. The honorees are selected by their respective top brass, who then submit their selection to the post, Dieringer said.

"We (the American Legion) are very much like the police and fire, in that we are made up of members of all branches of service who have served this country in numerous capacities," he said. "We know what it takes to be able to put your life on the line, and they put their life on the line for us."

Walczak, an 8-year veteran of the fire department, has contributed to its behavioral health and return-to-work programs, training division and new hire orientation. He has volunteered at a barn that provides horse therapy for veterans and contributed to saving a baby's life.

Troiola has been with the police department for 25 years and has supervised the patrol and major investigations division, and the gang crimes unit. He supervises the afternoon patrol shift, and has earned a lifesaving award and numerous commendations.