Elgin honors two of its best emergency workers
Elgin American Legion members honored two men with 35 years of public service between them in the group's annual Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year Awards Tuesday night.
"We always enjoy doing this. It's to honor those who serve, take care of us and keep us safe," said Norman Bellows, American Legion Post 57 commander.
Captain Dave Schmidt, a 15-year veteran, took home the firefighter honor. He is credited with heading up the department's computer-aided dispatch system, records management system and other projects.
Schmidt also helped identify a new fire station location to help ensure shorter response times.
Officer Daniel Radmer, a 20-year veteran, took home the police award. Radmer was one of the original members of the department's gang unit and served in the Major Investigations Division.
He requested a transfer back to patrol so he could be the lead evidence technician during day shift and mentor younger officers.
Bellows said the American Legion has sponsored the awards for about 20 years.
"We have no say so in the winners. They're voted on by their peers," he said.
The legion also honored dozens of members who reached milestone anniversaries in their membership.
Two notable recipients were LaVerne Funk and Raymond Lichtenberg, who each have been members of the legion for 60 years.