Farmers Weekly Review

By Stephanie Irvine

The Elwood Fire Protection District dedicated its soon-to-be-constructed training facility to Elwood resident Norman Fanning, whose admirable lifetime of achievements continues even at 93 years old.

“This tribute reflects the profound impact Norm has had on his community, underscoring a legacy defined by purpose, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to others,” Elwood Fire Protection District Chief Chris Locacius said to a packed building of Fanning’s loved ones, neighbors, friends, and members of the community.

Fanning’s wife of over 40 years was present, along with kids and grandkids.

Not many people can say they contributed as much to their community as Fanning can — a Korean War United States Army veteran who gave over 36 years of contributions to the fire district, more than a decade as an Elwood School bus driver, 14 years as a volunteer on the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, and 33 years and counting as a Jackson Township board member, among many other accomplishments and contributions.

“His impact has made Elwood a better place, and we honor that by striving to provide the highest level of service and preparedness,” Locacius added. “The Norman Fanning Training Facility will benefit not only Elwood’s firefighters, but also neighboring departments, strengthening regional emergency response.”

After Locacius’ prepared speech, he offered a short story about when he first met Fanning:

A storm had come through the area, and Locacius called to give him a report, as Fanning holds a position on the township’s board. Fanning told Locacius that he was out cutting up downed trees, heading up on a roof, and more.

Locacius said he didn’t believe the then-88-year-old would actually be doing all of that, but he was stunned to find out it was true when he came upon Fanning doing all of that and more when Locacius had stopped home for lunch.

“What an inspiring thing to see at his age, to be able to do those things to help a neighbor,” Locacius said.

Fanning was quite humbled by the honors and kind words, and started off with a joke as he fended off becoming emotional, declaring that he practiced what he would say several times so he wouldn’t be overcome.

“I was just telling everybody it’s nice to see the picture over there on the table, but I was really glad to see it didn’t say, ‘In memory of,’ on it,” Fanning quipped and was met with laughter.

“I’m just so happy,” Fanning said, appreciating his family and friends, noting there was nothing more important.

Fanning recalled his work as a firefighter beginning in the 1960s, when he worked for Caterpillar, a job he took on after his regular job welding, long before he volunteered for the town’s department. The stories brought smiles and laughter to the crowd, which helped Fanning keep his composure.

Kelly Cavanaugh of the Illinois State Fire Marshals’ office also was present and awarded Fanning with a plaque and a challenge coin, which Fanning accepted with great pride as he had always hoped one day he would receive one.

“By the way, this was the cause of some consternation because my official invitation to this event said 36 years of service, the certificate said 38, the plaque says 40, so we got together, and the answer I got from the folks at Elwood was he’s been here so long, we’re not sure how long!” Cavanaugh said and was met with uproarious laughter.

“But he cleared it up for us, it was 43+ years of service!” Cavanaugh proclaimed to applause.

“To get this moving forward and approved, it took a community, relationships with the village board, township, and on behalf of the fire district, I’d like to thank all elected officials,” Locacius said before individually naming the many officials who had come out to support the district and the naming ceremony.

Elected officials and staff from the Village of Elwood, Jackson Township, Will County, the Elwood Fire Protection District’s board of trustees, and members of the police department were present. Fanning gave a special thank you to Colleen Prieboy, a longtime friend and trustee on the fire board.

Although he could not be present at the dedication due to his son’s graduation, state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D—Elwood, provided a copy of a resolution passed in the Illinois House of Representatives Fanning’s honor and given to him “as a symbol of our esteem and respect.”

Guests were treated to a coffee and donut reception, plenty of conversation, and a display table with a guest book and memorable photos.

The training tower will allow firefighters to prepare and train for real-life live fire situations, giving them experience of smoke and heat in a controlled setting. The tower’s three levels also provide firefighters with a realistic training space as they often have to traverse multiple floors with heavy equipment and gear while performing life- and property-saving missions. Training at the facility can include ladder drills, hose management training, life-saving rescue operations, and more.

The Elwood Fire Protection District anticipates breaking ground on the new facility in the next couple of weeks, weather permitting.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

As Norm Fanning and his family listen to the presentations, his wife Mary Lou wipes away a tear.

Norm Fanning and Kelly Cavanaugh of the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s Office shake hands after the presentation of an award and challenge coin, as Elwood Fire Protection District Chief Chris Locacius waits in the background.

Norm Fanning, seated next to his grandchildren, Jen and Jake Fanning, listen to the presentation honoring him.

The Fanning family poses for a picture after the ceremony: Grandkids Jen Fanning, Jake Fanning, Norm Fanning’s wife Mary Lou Fanning, Norman “Norm” Fanning, son Craig Fanning, and his wife, Tina Fanning, granddaughter Kate Fanning, and Kate’s fiancé Brett Palmero.