Jerry Brearton, Finance Officer of American Legion Post 328, submitted this article and photos.
During the 98th Annual Department of Illinois American Legion Convention in Springfield, IL, Joe Bielema, Morrison, IL, was presented the “Central Region Firefighter of the Year Award” for outstanding, selfless service over-and-above normal duties, through community service and professional achievement. The selection of Bielema was made by the National Law and Order Committee of The American Legion.
He competed against Firefighters of the Year in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The American Legion is divided into five regions comprising 50 states, the District of Columbia, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and France.
Bielema was submitted by Post 328 in Morrison last year for the award. He was selected as Illinois Firefighter of the Year for the Department of Illinois. Legion protocol is to continue submission up through the regions and then onto the National level.
Morrison Commander Dale Usterbowski of Post 328 stated, “All of Post 328 was super excited last year to have our nominee selected for Statewide and even more pleased that Joe was selected over firefighters in our neighboring states this year….[This] was a very tough competition amongst many exceptional firefighters.”
Bielema is First Assistant Chief of Morrison Fire Department and is employed by Kunes Country Auto Group of Morrison.
Left-to-right are Paul Gardner, Department of Illinois Commander; Bielema, Central Region Firefighter of the Year; Delmar Buske, Department of Illinois Safety Law and Order Chairman.
