Naperville Firefighter of the Year named

Naperville Fire Department Lt. Amanda Scheller may be a little late to work today. She’s got a cake and ice cream run to make.

Scheller, a 13-year veteran of the Naperville Fire Department, and its first female officer, has been chosen as the Naperville Exchange Club’s Firefighter of the Year. And, per firehouse tradition, because she’s being featured in the newspaper, she’ll be bringing in a Portillo’s chocolate cake and ice cream.

“It’s just a little firehouse thing we do so I’ll get a little ribbing,” she said Monday. “But we all know this is a serious award and quite an honor. It definitely refocuses you and your commitment to the community.”

Scheller, who has received several merit and unit citations, serves as a member of the dive team and is a swift water rescue technician and an emergency rescue diver.

“Lieutenant Scheller is an extremely valuable member of the Naperville Fire Department,” Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis said. “She is active in our department’s services and is constantly volunteering to assume more responsibility, including a total revision of our department manual and preparatory work for the department’s accreditation process. I consider her one of our most valued assets and know she will continue to shine in her endeavors.”

Scheller also serves on the department’s recruitment team and honor guard. She’s also a member of the fire investigation team and has expanded her efforts by serving on the DuPage County Arson Task Force. She also acts as a Program Coordinator for the department’s Juvenile Fire Setter Program where she strives to help children of all ages that are recognized as needing intervention. She also serves as a field instructor for the training division and is a certified safety officer.

In a time when everyone is being asked to do a lot more with a little less, Scheller said the community makes it easy to give 110 percent.

“The main factor in all of this is that I’m lucky to work for a great community. It’s just a great job to serve people and go into homes in the most difficult times and make positive changes,” she said. “This award means a lot, but it’s tough and a little humbling to be acknowledged as an individual in such a strong team atmosphere.”

Each year, the Exchange Club pays honor to an outstanding firefighter and police officer.

“Lieutenant Scheller was an outstanding choice for this year’s firefighter award,” said Exchange Club Americanism committee chairman Marty Walker. “Her dedication to our community is admirable.”

As the 10th recipient of this award, Scheller will have the opportunity to serve as a tasting judge during next year’s Ribfest and take part in the Labor Day parade. She will also assist the Shanower family with placing a wreath at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial during the Sept. 11 remembrance event.