Prospect Heights fire district Firefighter of Year named
Submitted by Lauren Clausen, Prospect Heights Fire Protection District
John Niemann splits time between the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District and the Schaumburg Fire Department. But at the Prospect Heights’ annual employee recognition dinner, members of the Prospect Heights Fire District knew right where Niemann belonged: at the top of their list.
Niemann was named the 2010 Firefighter of the Year. He is the 20th firefighter/paramedic to be selected since the award was started in 1991.
Fire Chief Donald Gould Jr., presented Niemann with his award and commended him for his outstanding performance throughout the year. He met the award’s criteria with his training certifications, performance on the job, leadership among his peers and involvement in special projects.
Also recognized were firefighters reaching milestone years of service. Firefighter/EMT Darrin Maihack received his 10-year award, while seven firefighter/paramedics received their 5-year awards, including: Shane Koeneman, Jay Gorecki, Kevin Chapman, Christopher Herling, Paul Miller, Tim Murray and Jason Hardy.
The Firefighter of the Year award was the most prestigious of the evening and it was highly anticipated. In all, eight firefighters were nominated, but it turned out to be Niemann’s night.
Receiving the department’s highest award capped an emotional few months for Niemann since being diagnosed with cancer last fall. He has had to take a leave of absence from both departments, but his dedication and years of service have not been forgotten.
In November, firefighters from across the Northwest suburbs turned out to a fundraiser organized by the Prospect Heights Firefighters’ Association and the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Association Local 4092 at Rocky Vander’s in Prospect Heights.
The luncheon and raffle drew more than 300 supporters and raised more than $13,000 to help Niemann with his mounting medical expenses.
“John just wants to feel better and to get back to work,” Chief Gould said. “With all of the bad things happening in his life, he is still very positive and dedicated to our organization.”
At the fundraiser, and again at the holiday dinner, Niemann found himself overwhelmed by the show of support from his fellow firefighters, administration members, trustees and fire commissioners.
“I’m speechless,” Niemann said. “When I started 25 years ago, I heard of the brotherhood among firefighters.
“This,” he added, “is the brotherhood.”
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