Firefighter Awarded Character Counts Community Service Award

Libertyville firefighter Jeff Schmidt was awarded the Character Counts Community Service Award at the school board meeting on Dec. 13.

The Libertyville Elmentary District 70 Board of Education chose Schmidt for his dedication to the students through a program called Risk Watch, his commitment to the annual Fire Safety Poster Contest and overall service to schools and community.

"Jeff is a driving force behind this program and our schools' fall Fire Safety poster contest," Supt. Dr. Guy Schumacher said before presenting the award. Schmidt also coordinates car seat checks in the village and can be seen attending many community events.

The Risk Watch program, held in many of the District 70 schools, is a hands-on, practical program that demonstrates to students how to avoid accidents and injury through eight different topics.

Schmidt coordinates the presentations for the schools with firefighters, police and medical experts.

"Jeff Schmidt is someone who expects no acknowledgement but merely wants to help people in his community lead safe lives, and through District 70 deserves such praise." Schumacher said.

The Libertyville Elementary District 70 Board of Education, along with the school administrators and educators, continue to set "Character Education" as a goal for the Libertyville learning community.

Each school year begins with "character" and "leadership" as goals that drive district actions, programs, services and curriculum. This is the second year the school district has presented a Character Counts Community Service Award. This year staff recommended people for the award and members of the Character Counts committee selected the honoree.     

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