Signal Hill Fire Department
  • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Recruitment
    • Operations
      • Personnel>
        • Active Members
          • Associate Members
          • Special Recognitions
            • Current Apparatus
              • Past Apparatus
                • Engine House
                  • Training
                    • Fire Prevention Activities
                      • Annual Report
                      • Incident Information
                        • Incident Archive>
                          • 2012
                            • 2011
                              • 2010
                                • 2009
                                  • 2008
                                    • 2007
                                      • 2006
                                      • Incident Pics & Videos>
                                        • Fire Pictures
                                          • Accident Pictures
                                            • Misc Pictures
                                              • Video
                                            • Safety Tips
                                              • Fire Prevention Tips>
                                                • Family Escape Planning
                                                  • Smoke Detectors
                                                  • Winter Fires
                                                    • Winter Safety Tips
                                                      • Natural Disasters>
                                                        • Home Emergency Planning
                                                          • Floods
                                                            • Earthquakes
                                                              • Tornados
                                                              • Utility Emergencies>
                                                                • Gas
                                                                  • Electric
                                                                  • Carbon Monoxide
                                                                    • Bicycle Helmets
                                                                    • Kids Zone
                                                                    • Fundraisers & Hot Flashes
                                                                      • New Page
                                                                        • Hot Flashes
                                                                          • Ribs & Raffle>
                                                                            • Ribs & Raffle Pictures
                                                                          • Members Only
                                                                            • Calendar
                                                                              • Phone List
                                                                                • Truck Checklists>
                                                                                  • 4710
                                                                                    • 4711
                                                                                      • 4712
                                                                                        • 4713
                                                                                        • SOP Manual & By-Laws
                                                                                          • Duty Team Roster
                                                                                            • Meeting Minutes
                                                                                              • Kids XMAS Party 2011 Pictures
                                                                                                • 2011 Annual Report
                                                                                                  • Training Programs

                                                                                                  Medal of Valor

                                                                                                  Picture
                                                                                                  In 1992, Firefighter James A. Render, Firefighter Jeff Kaiser, and Firefighter Dale Barschak were awarded the Medal of Valor for their efforts to rescue three district residents from a burning home.  They were awarded this prestegious honor during a ceremony at the firehouse where they also received recognition from Congressman Jerry Costello after he acknowledged their accomplishments in the congressional record.  Numerous other firefighters, offficers, medical workers, and telecommunicators were recognized for their assistance and support of the operations of these rescues.


                                                                                                  Firefighter of the Year

                                                                                                  Since 1988, the Signal Hill Fire Department has recognized those firefighters that go above and beyond the call of duty for the department, residents of the district, and other members of the department.  Below is a list of those persons recognized as the Firefighter of the Year.
                                                                                                  1988 - Kathy James
                                                                                                  1989 - Tom Elliff
                                                                                                  1990 - Ed Triska
                                                                                                  1991 - James F. Melichar
                                                                                                  1992 - Gayle C. Schmisseur
                                                                                                  1993 - Jeffery B. Fournie
                                                                                                  1994 - J. Alan Render
                                                                                                  1995 - Dale Barschak
                                                                                                  1996 - Robert Parker
                                                                                                  1997 - Theodore A. Higgins
                                                                                                  1998 - Andrew Nicholson
                                                                                                  1999 - Scott Grulke
                                                                                                  2000 - Ed Triska
                                                                                                  2001 - Wayne Lindauer
                                                                                                  2003 - Patrick Cowden
                                                                                                  2004 - Gary Bainter
                                                                                                  2006 - Dave Mohr
                                                                                                  2007 - Ralph Conrath
                                                                                                  2008 - Jennifer E. Anderson
                                                                                                  2010 - Jace Wilderman

                                                                                                  2011 - Michelle Hudson

                                                                                                  50th Alarm Club

                                                                                                  Three persons have been recognized by the fire department for their 50+ years of service to the fire department.  

                                                                                                  Edward Triska

                                                                                                  Picture
                                                                                                  Serving since the inception of the fire department in 1946, Ed
                                                                                                  Triska had the distinct honor of becoming the first member with 50 years of  service.  Ed was honored for his service in 1996 with a special award, and the recognition of becoming the 2000 Firefighter of the year.  Ed continued to serve the fire department until he passed away in 2001.

                                                                                                  Gayle C. Schmissuer

                                                                                                  Picture
                                                                                                  In 1958, Gayle C. Schmissuer officially joined the fire department.  While growing up as a young man, Gayle lived a block away from the firehouse and was a part of the department before officially becoming a  firefighter.  In fact, there is a picture in the fire department archives of a young Gayle Schmissuer on top of one of the first firetrucks. Gayle served as Chief of the Department from 1977 till 1991 and has served as a member of the  Board of Directors since then.  Gayle is probably best known around the  department for his love of the former Signal Hill Firefighters Picnic which he served as chairman of the picnic committee for several years, and his unique ability to aquire a variety of items.

                                                                                                  James F. Melichar

                                                                                                  Picture
                                                                                                  Having joined the department in 1959, Jim has served the department in many ways over his 50+ years of service.  Jim served as an officer of the department for several years, including his tenure as Chief from 1974 til 1977.  Jim served as President of the Board of Directors of the Signal Hill Fire Protection Association for many years, and continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors today.


                                                                                                  Illinois Fire Chief of the Year

                                                                                                  Chief Greg Render - 2009

                                                                                                  Picture
                                                                                                  On May 14, 2009, Chief Greg Render was recognized as the Illinois Fire Chief of the Year - Volunteer Sector at a ceremony in Peoria, Illinois.  Having been nominated by his peers, Chief Render was selected for his continued support of the fire service not only for the Signal Hill Fire Department, but also for departments throughout the region, the state, and all over the country.