EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT - NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MARCH 2007

 

Fire Department Recognizes One of Their Own

March 6, 2007
Chief Joseph C. Holomy
Effingham Fire Department
James Wolters Recognized
Effingham Fire Department recognized one of their own for continued years of dedicated service to the community. Commissioner Don Eden presented 2nd Assistant Chief James Wolters with a Bronze Play Pipe Nozzle with detailed engraving of fire service history.

In his presentation, Commissioner Eden praised Jim Wolters for his 38 years of continuous service to the City of Effingham Fire Department beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1969 under then Chief Chamberlain. Through the years Jim has dedicated his life to serving the community during some of its worst times. He has worked his way up through the now paid-on-call ranks to his current position as 2nd Assistant Chief.

At the same time, Jim has been supported by his full-time employer as Service Manager for Dan Hecht Chevrolet and also by his wife Carol and family. The dedication and commitment shown by Jim volunteering countless hours to the fire department is rare today according to Chief Holomy.

Jim is currently the oldest active member of the department and continues to function on the fireground in every capacity, including interior firefighting. In speaking with Jim over the past few months, Chief Holomy says Jim has no intention of slowing down or even considering retirement.

In his current position, Jim supervises the part-time/paid on call firefighter’s recruitment process and along with other Officers of the department works to insure their individual training requirements and safety. He serves on the department Training Committee, Safety Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Awards Committee.

Jim has numerous Illinois state certifications in the fire service and is a member of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. He has previously been awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2000 and a Unit Citation in 2005.

The award was presented at the monthly department meeting held on March 5th.