Exchange Club of ALL bestows awards

ANTIOCH – The new Exchange Club of ALL – representing Antioch, Lake Villa and Lindenhurst – recently convened at Dockers’ North Restaurant in Antioch for an awards dinner recognizing outstanding police officers and firefighters, as well as an outstanding student.

Antioch police Officer William Splitt, a 13-year-veteran of the force, received the group’s Officer of the Year Award, after being nominated by Chief Craig Somerville.

Lindenhurst Officer Sandra Rapey received an additional Officer of the Year Award. She was nominated by Chief Kevin Klahs.

Meanwhile, Antioch fire Chief John R. Nixon selected Assistant Chief Chris Lienhardt to receive the Firefighter of the Year Award on behalf of the entire volunteer department.

And Lake Villa Trustee Jim McDonald presented an award to Lt. Roger Schroeder for his outstanding service.

Penny Grant, president-elect of the Exchange Club of ALL, said the selection process for all award winners was tough.

“It is very difficult for a chief to have to pick one person for an award,” she said. “And all the policemen, firemen and students are top-notch. But unfortunately we cannot give everyone an award, even though they are all deserving ... we still want to praise and thank all of the others for their hard, dedicated work.”

The ACE – or Accepting the Challenge of Excellence – Award for students went to Lakes Community High School  graduate Forrest Ericksen for his recovery after a severe snowmobile accident.

The Exchange Club of ALL meets at 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Antioch Township Center, 1625 N. Deep Lake Road, in Antioch. To learn more, call Grant at 847-406-9475.