Some Vermilion County ‘Everyday Heroes’ are being honored.
Those honored at a breakfast in their honor at the Turtle Run Banquet Center in Danville Friday included:
— Public Safety Hero: late Hoopeston Police Chief Mark Drollinger who was honored for dedicating his entire life to protecting the public.
— Youth Hero: Karen Martin of Georgetown who – although she is a grandmother – has committed the last nine years to being a troop leader for the Boy Scouts.
— Education Hero: Clyde Osborn, who has served as an inspiration for many for decades at Danville High School and American Legion baseball games in Danville.
— Military Hero: Robert Lehmann who served our country for over twenty-eight years. He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.
— Community Hero: Rich Darby, who started an organization called Operation Honor Guard. The organization provides financial assistance to veteran’s organizations which honor veterans during funeral services.
— Workplace Hero – Alyssa Julian, who is director of the Humane Society of Danville.
Each of the ‘Everyday Heroes’ was recognized during a breakfast held in their honor at the Turtle Run Banquet Center in Danville Friday.
[Note: You can enlarge the photo by clicking on it.]
Additional Information on those who were honored:
Late Hoopeston Police Chief Mark Drollinger was a member of the United States Air Force before beginning his professional life in law enforcement in New York. In 1988 he returned home and joined the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department. In 1999 he assumed the duties and responsibilities of Hoopeston Police Chief. Drollinger served his hometown until he lost his battle with cancer on July 6, 2017.
Karen Martin became a troop leader for the Boy Scouts because of her grandson and other youth. The nomination letter said Karen makes a difference in these young men by teaching, leading and showing them how to be responsible citizens.
Clyde Osborn has taught many lessons simply through his actions, love and commitment to the students in our community said the letter nominating him for the Education Hero award. ‘’Just say the name ‘’Clyde Osborn’’ in the city of Danville and watch a smile grow,’’ it added.
Military Hero Robert Lehmann was a platoon leader, Company Commander, and an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He served our country over twenty-eight years before becoming a social studies teacher at Westville High School.
Rich Darby was nominated for the Community Hero Award because he started Operation Honor Guard. The organization provides financial relief for the uniforms worn by honor guards that attend the funerals of area Veterans. The nominating letter said because of Rich, and the hundreds of hours of work and dedication he puts in each year, these honor guards now have new uniforms, flags, rain gear, rifles, and so many other small items associated with providing a final military goodbye.
And Alyssa Julian was honored as the Workplace Hero for what she does as director of the Humane Society of Danville. She has improved the lives of both animals and the families who adopt them dramatically since she took over, said the nominating letter.
The award event was sponsored by First Savings Bank of Danville in partnership with Neuhoff Media, Wilson’s Body Shop, Danville Area Community College, Devens and McFetridge, LTD Attorneys at Law, Watchfire Signs, Jock’s, Lee’s Famous Chicken and Strips, Express Employment Professionals and Turtle Run.
