Exchange Club honors Naperville firefighter
Randolph Mantooth strikes again.
The 1970s-era heartthrob, who starred in TV's "Emergency," was the inspiration for generations of future rescue workers, including this year's Naperville Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year.
Judi Greenberg, who was honored in ceremonies today, admits Mantooth was one of her earliest idols and likely played a part in her decision to join the Naperville Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic.
"It was like religious services when it came on TV," she said of the show. "All of us kids would watch it and you had to be quiet."
Her mother, Irene, remembers the solemnity of her brood watching the program.
"For one whole hour, nobody talked," she said. "I loved it."
Greenberg was selected for the Exchange Club honor for essentially taking over the fire department's training program when a colleague who had been supervising the project fell ill.
Department officials said the transition was seamless and Greenberg's efforts were exceptional.
"I'm lucky to have two families," Greenberg said during her acceptance speech. "There's the one I was born into and the one who chose me and I spend a third of my life with. I am touched, I am moved and I am humbled by this honor, which I share with both my families."
Chief John Wu said firefighters and other department employees don't expect any kind of awards, but appreciate how many opportunities they're given to be recognized by various groups in Naperville, including the Exchange Club.
"When I told Judi she had been picked, she wanted to know what she had done," Wu said. "I don't think any of the firefighters are out to win awards, they just think of themselves as a small cog in the wheel. It says something about Naperville that there are groups that take the time to recognize not just us, but a lot of city services."
There are perks that come with being selected the Exchange Club's Firefighter of the Year. Greenberg will get a seat on the group's Last Fling Labor Day Parade float as well as one at the Ribfest judge's table.
The latter honor will pose a bit of a problem. Because of her religious beliefs, Greenberg won't be able to partake in the pork rib judging.
"I'm keeping a list of people who want to do it, but I'm not picking someone right away," she said with a smile. "May the best person win."
Her boss has his sights set on being at the top of that list.
"I think there's going to be an arm wrestling match between me and Judi's mother," Wu said. "And you know what? I think I can take her."