Matthew Kosik Officially Sworn In as Danville Fire Department Lieutenant

ABOVE: Danville Fire Department Lieutenant Matthew Kosik waits with family for his swearing in ceremony to begin.

A recent promotion within the Danville Fire Department was made official with a Thursday (Jan 4th) morning ceremony in the Danville City Council Chambers.  Matthew Kosik was officially made lieutenant this past September.  But due to various circumstances, the ceremony was delayed a few times.  But on Thursday, with his family and numerous firefighters present, Lieutenant Kosik took the oath from Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr.

Kosik has been with the Danville Fire Department since August of 2012.  He currently resides in Catlin, also assists with the Homer Fire Protection District, and works a couple times a month as a paramedic with Advanced Medical Transport.

Kosik says his desire to be a firefighter began when his father was a volunteer with Crescent Iroquois Fire Department; and he eventually joined the team.

AUDIO: My dad was a volunteer fireman.  So I’d always go to the firehouse with him when I was a young kid; just something that I really enjoy doing.  I like being in the fire service.  Actually, I started in high school.  I was a cadet on the fire department there; I was there for eight years.  And then I moved this way; joined another fire department, and it kind of continued from there.

(1st Picture) Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr administers oath to Lieutenant Kosik.  (2nd Picture) Amy Hoose, Chairperson for Danville Board of Police and Fire Commissioners, addresses Lt. Kosik during ceremony.  (3rd Picture) Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott speaks at conclusion of ceremony.

For Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott, Kosik’s promotion was an easy decision.

AUDIO: I’ve always been very impressed by Matt’s work ethic.  He trains outside of the department; does everything that you’d want a firefighter to do.  Here cares about his community; serves in his own hometown; does all kinds of thing that you’d look for for a lifetime of service.

And for Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr; it’s been a fulfilling week when it comes to those who serve Danville; as he also swore in four probationary police officers on Wednesday (Jan 3rd).

AUDIO: Whenever people are willing to step up and take leadership, especially when they’ve proven themselves in their previous roles, we’re especially proud.  So we’re thankful that Lieutenant Kosik has stepped up, and we’re also thankful that the young men yesterday were willing to step up and serve our community.  It’s a valiant career.

The four probationary police officers sworn in Wednesday were Elijah Nardoni, Gaige Wright, Logan Appleman, and Ryan Mullins.