Lake Zurich Scout finishes Eagle project

Otto Michaelis was fascinated with fire trucks, collecting miniatures and creating toys that he sold.

The former Lake Zurich resident, who often donated trucks and wooden crafts he built to needy children, also became a friend of the Lake Zurich Fire Department. He would chat or bring vegetables from his garden to each station.

“Everyone came to like him and enjoy his company,” said Chief Terry Mastandrea.

When Michaelis died in June 2009, his brother Fritz inherited 44 miniatures and a book describing each one. Proud of the fire service and Otto’s craft, Fritz donated them to the department.

Mastandrea saw the opportunity to build a display case within the main fire station as an Eagle leadership project for Scouts.

The project was suggested to James Daleske.

“I like working with my hands, so I really wanted a challenge where I could use some of my ability to the fullest,” said the 17-year-old Lake Zurich resident.

Daleske began building at a young age, completing 1,000-piece sets within a couple hours and constructing unique vehicles for Pinewood Derby races. And through high school, he helped build robots with the technology club.

But this project was larger than anything he had built before. Brian Burch, Eagle coordinator of Troop 309, encouraged him.

“(Burch told me) I know you would go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure this is done properly and right,” Daleske said. “It warmed my heart and I decided to accept the duty as manager.”

He designed a single display case divided into three sections for the models. The cost, at $670, was daunting. But businesses and families came to his aid, donating materials and money to begin the project.

While Daleske loves to build, completing the Eagle project meant he had to lead others to build it. Working with 10 to 15 Scouts, he taught them how to use the equipment and build the case.

“It was pleasing to see all these Scouts doing what I told them to do, and we were able to create such a wonderful finished project,” he said.

Daleske said the case provides to those who take department tours a visual presentation of how fire service vehicles have evolved through the years.

“History and tradition play a very important role in fire service, which Otto Michaelis realized,” he said.

The project was installed in November, and 30 Scouts, as well as firefighters and members of the Michaelis family, attended the ceremony. It was then, Daleske said, he saw what Michaelis meant to the department.

“Looking at firemen who came the day of installation, it was amazing how many people were affected by Otto,” Daleske said. “I was proud to do this project for him.”

Mastandrea said the case reminds them of Michaelis.

“The firemen enjoy it each time they pass through the station,” he said. “And the quality is much higher than I ever thought it would be.”

Michaelis built those trucks to show his love of crafting and fire service, Mastandrea said, but few people understood the labor and money that went into the woodworking. He didn’t build them for the money. He wanted people to see them and enjoy. Now, they can, Mastandrea added.

“He’s smiling ear to ear right now. This is the best thing that could ever happen,” he said.