Naperville celebrates some of its top firefighters

This year's Naperville Firefighter of the Year Award isn't for a firefighter who performed one heroic act but one who is committed to the job every day.

The city's board of fire and police commissioners has named Wayne Irwin its top firefighter.

"This year's candidate demonstrates a firefighter who gives his all to his colleagues and is a member that you'd want on your team or at your back," said board Chairman Terry Klein.

Irwin has been on Naperville's team since 1991. He is also part of a group that goes on special rescue missions throughout not only Naperville but surrounding areas. When not fighting fires, Irwin plays the bagpipes in an honor guard group as well.

Klein said Irwin handles all calls large or small without fanfare, just doing what he's been trained to do.

"He is quiet, unassuming, thinks of his job as just everyday work experience," Klein said. "He doesn't really think of it as being hazardous or life-threatening."

Irwin will receive his award at the eighth annual Naperville Fire Department recognition ceremony at 5:30 p.m. today at Naperville's municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Citizens Appreciate Public Safety will be handing out awards as well. This year's winners are Bureau Chief Lawrence Deguisne; firefigher/paramedic James Kubinski; firefigher/paramedic Amanda Scheller; a team from Station 4, including firefigher/paramedics Patrick Spillane, Edward Palenik, Steve Gibertini, Lawrence Ehrhart and Lt. Thomas Hedberg; and a team from Engine 1 and Truck 1 including Capt. Thomas Oker, Lt. Michael Baker and firefigher/paramedics Mark Ksiazak, Juletta Lewis, Todd Votava, Lee Graefen, John Sergeant and Robert Osdieck.

One of the award winners will also receive the George Winckler Award for Public Service.

Tonight's ceremony also includes a thank you to those participating in Warrior Watch, a group that welcomes home military service men and women. Employees who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan will also be recognized.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Naperville Fire Department Recognition ceremony</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 5:30 p.m. today</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Naperville city hall, 400 S. Eagle St.</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://naperville.il.us/caps.aspx" target="new">naperville.il.us/caps.aspx</a>.</p>