By Karen Haave
Eight Monee Emergency Management Agency members were honored last week as recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA).
The PVSA is a national program that recognizes exceptional volunteers whose work makes real and sustainable differences in their communities. The program honors volunteers as young as five years of age, as well as teens and adults. To earn a PVSA, volunteers must be part of a Certifying Organization, such as the Emergency Management Agency.
To receive a Bronze Medal in Monee, adults must give 100 – 150 hours of EMA community service. A Silver Medal requires 200-250 hours, and a Gold Medal requires 500 hours or more.
EMA Director Randy Ulaskas announced during the April 25 board meeting that, for the first time, Monee has three Gold Medalists – Jim Pace, Mike Larson, and Norm Flag.
Bronze Medal winners are Romulus Biris, who also is the village Building Services Manager, Maurice Simmons, and Brian Glimm.
Silver Medal recipients were Tracey Henson and Chad Simpson.
“It’s an honor and a very proud day for the Emergency Management Agency,” Ulaskas said.
“Recipients, you know that, like the mayor and the board, we couldn’t be more proud. It’s an honor to work with you, and I learn from you every single day you’re there.”
Ulaskas presented the certificates alsong with public safety Trustee Scott Youdris and Mayor Therese Bogs.
“This evening it is with great appreciation to acknowledge our EMA responders in achieving recognition from the President’s Volunteer Service Award Committee for their hours of service to the Village of Monee,” Mayor Bogs said. “By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face, and solutions that we need now, more than ever.
“We are living in a moment that calls for ‘Hope, Light and Love’ – hope for our future, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your service, you are providing all three.
“On behalf of the Village of Monee, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer service, and I encourage you to answer the call to serve. Thank you, EMA volunteers.”
The Emergency Management Agency was established in Monee about 10 years ago under Village Administrator Ruben Bautista. Its duties include:
- Develop and maintain the village’s emergency operation plan, which promotes a framework for the coordination of emergency response across a broad spectrum of disciplines and agencies
- Develop and maintain emergency communications and warning equipment
- Promotion of mitigation activities
- Traffic control
- Emergency lighting
- Severe weather spotting
- Public education and information
If you would like to become a member of the EMA team, please contact Ulaskas at 708-534-8305.
Without volunteerism a community cannot thrive.
Kudos.
And gratitude.