Villa Park VFW honors police officer, firefighter
Villa Park veterans say they understand the value of support and appreciation, so members of VFW Post 2801 took time this week to honor others who serve and protect.
The Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars post this week recognized both a police officer and a firefighter for their extraordinary accomplishments and leadership.
Officer James Svara was named Police Officer of the Year and Lt. Steve Stapleton was named Firefighter of the Year in ceremonies on Monday. The village board also honored each man with commendations.
The VFW annually recognizes a police officer and a firefighter for doing a "tremendous job protecting us," post Cmdr. Ed Krupiczowicz said. "They need our support."
"What an honor to celebrate excellence in this community ... to say thank you to people who put their lives at risk. They've done that courageously," said U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, who helped hand out the awards.
Svara, a former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, has been with the police department for six years. During that time, he has been recognized several times for "outstanding performance" by his supervisors, residents, other police agencies and local businesses.
Most recently, Svara has served on the department's tactical unit, where he addresses gang- and drug-related incidents, his nomination letter states. He also serves as firing-range officer and coordinates activities related to the range, including training.
Svara is one of the select members of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Mobile Field Force Team that responds to civil disturbances, public demonstrations and other events that involve large or disorderly crowds.
Likewise, Stapleton has achieved much at the fire department, Krupiczowicz said.
He has served in the department for 11 years, most recently being promoted in July 2004 to lieutenant in charge of protection. He handles new training techniques and maintains training records for all firefighters in addition to overseeing maintenance and annual testing of the department's trucks.
Under Stapleton's leadership, the members of his shift perform at emergency scenes with "great professionalism," Deputy Fire Chief William Tauchen wrote in the nomination. His leadership also is evident by the extra work he and his shift demonstrate around the firehouse, Tauchen wrote.
After their daily duties, Stapleton and his shift remodeled the Station 3 kitchen and the women's bathroom, renovated the bunk room, built a workbench, installed a new speaker system for dispatch tones and pursued other station projects.
"Lt. Stapleton exemplifies what a leader should be by always exhibiting a team mentality with his shift by participating alongside his shift members in all training and projects," Tauchen wrote. "His enthusiasm and initiative to make the Villa Park Fire Department the best it can be is infectious."
The VFW also surprised Director of Police Services John Payne with accolades for his 36 years of service to the village.
Payne joined the department in 1972 as a patrolman, transferred to the detective unit in 1978, then moved up the ranks over the years until he became chief.
He served as police chief from July 2004 until November 2008 when he retired and returned as a civilian director the next day.
"He does a great job," Krupiczowicz said. "He's a leader and he treats everyone equally. There are no favorites."