Firefighters, police focus of Gurnee's Sept. 11 ceremony

Gurnee's bravest and finest were front and center Sunday at what's become an annual 9/11 Community Remembrance Ceremony at the Viking Park band shell.

At least 200 spectators, some with U.S. flags, dotted the park's lawn as the patriotic 1½ hours featured a Great Lakes Naval Station flag unit, police and fire department color guards and music from Woodland Elementary District 50's jazz band.

Capt. Thomas McGue, commanding officer of Great Lakes' Naval Health Clinic, noted the quintessentially American scene as one of two guest speakers for the event. "It's a real pleasure for me to be here today, to see what a community can do and what communities do to pull together," said McGue, who spoke under a giant American flag held by a Gurnee Fire Department ladder truck.

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik was the other guest speaker.

Kovarik said while her faith in mankind was shaken after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, local police and firefighters who kept serving the public helped the country move forward. She also reminded the crowd that police and firefighters leave safe places and rush toward danger for their jobs.

"They do it every day - right here - for you," Kovarik said.

Gurnee's police officer and civilian employees of the year for 2008 were honored at the event staged by the village's Breakfast Exchange Club. Also recognized was Gurnee's fire employee of the year.

Deputy Police Chief Kevin Woodside presented the officer of the year honor to Michael Young, who's been with the village since 1995. Young is a field training officer and, because of his deep expertise, lead evidence technician for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

Joseph Zak, a 911 communications operator, was the civilian police employee of the year. Zak, known for arriving 20 minutes before his shift starts without extra pay, was lauded for what Woodside said is a strong work ethic and dedication to the job since coming aboard in 2004.

Battalion Chief Barry Henby was the Gurnee fire employee of the year. Henby has earned many accolades since joining Gurnee in 1979, including the 2009 Illinois American Legion Fire Department Award.

In addition to his professional know-how, Henby is known for his community involvement and performing magic tricks for children who are learning about fire safety.

<div style="float:right;margin:0 0 6px 0;"> <div class="moreHeader"> More Coverage </div> <div class="moreHolder"> <div style="margin:6px;text-wrap:auto;"> <div class="moreSubHead"> Photo Gallery </div> <ul class="moreGallery"> <li><a href="/story/?id=319439" class="mediaItem">Scenes from the ceremony </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>