Buffalo Grove Firefighter of the Year - William "Billy" Navarro

 The Firefighter of the Year Award is awarded to the highest qualified candidate.

It is the Highest Honor for the employees of the Fire Department, 

Given to those who display strong work ethic, values, integrity and 

commitment to the residents of Buffalo Grove and the Fire Department.

(L to R)  Chief Baker, Rotary President Ryan Risingerm, Firefighter Navarro, Dane Bragg Village Manager

Billy responds to the award with a Thank you to the Rotary Club. 

He tells us that this is a huge honor and something you want - but are not certain you can achieve.  It’s obvious to him that working hard and doing the right thing pays off, and it has here – with this award.

He has a strong sense of community and has strong feelings about “Giving back.”  He feels everyone should give back to the community, back to our own. One of the events he told us about was the Food Drive Battalion Chief Collins runs every year in November. He has lent a hand and done this community project the last two years, he and his fellow firefighters were invited and accepted the invitation and "Gave back."

“This is my community, this is our community – Buffalo Grove is our second home” (Paraphrasing Billy telling us about the Fire Department).  He goes on to Thank his wife Erica. Without her help and support this community service could not be done"I can't do this."  Many hours of Volunteer effort and  time go into supporting his second community.

Erica plays an integral role in a women's charity and he helps with her efforts,  and through this work tells us he see how important is is to give back.. 

He calls out, “I love you babe” to Erica. 

She is sitting in the audience and they receive the 

appreciation of the room for his proclamation to his bride.

The Fire Department is my second Family, 

Thank you for everything you have done for me. 

I have needed help and received it and I have given help.   

FF/PM Navarro is congratulated by Dane Bragg Village Manager 

"Billy" and Chief Baker

More Congratulations in the hall

"I love you guys." 

( More smiles and a stirring from the room)

Looking around the room he looks to his new Lieutenant, and tells us,

Rob ( Lt. Hermann)  I want to congratulate you and I cant wait to work for you as my Lieutenant!

  Lt Rob Hermann was sworn in just before this award was presented. 

Seen here with his wife after "Pinning" his new badge on his dress blues.

 To the Rotary members, Thank you again for considering 

me and choosing to give me this award.

“Billy” did mention, The Police and Fire Board members know “I talk very much” 

and I want to close right here. (As the group all agrees in a short moment of laughter. ) 

 

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 Billy only spoke for three minutes

One can't help but notice just how down to earth he is. He is standing in front of a "standing room only" Board Room full of peers, City Management and the community at large - speaking to the folks gathered with a familiarity that allows him to use sentences like "Love you babe."  

He speaks not of what he has accomplished but what others have done for and with him, repeatedly acknowledging the award and it's significance.

It's the mark of a leader, speaking to the achievements of others. He is a class act. 
He is a brother a husband an uncle and a son.

Thank you Firefighter Navarro
You are a fine representative of your Community, Department 
and your Family!

Well deserved, Congratulations!.

Tonight "Takes the Cake" - literally

Serving since 2007 "Billy" is a leader both inside the department and outside of our community.

He serves on the Technical Rescue Team and assists with it's ongoing certification 

Serves on the AFFI Honor Guard 

Supports Employee On boarding for new recruits

Serves on the Executive Board of IFF Local 3177 

Video at :

Starting at the 19 minute point

http://buffalogrovevillageil.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=1364&Format=Agenda

Some images from training and public events