Farmers Weekly Review

By Stephanie Irvine

Few people devoted nearly their entire life to public service in the way that Brad Veerman did — and his legacy continues that dedication years after his untimely death in 2018.

Veerman’s family set up the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund to give those seeking a career in public service a hand up through scholarships, and its most recent fundraising effort will take place at the Elwood Communtiy Days with 5k Run and Walk on September 12.

April Veerman, Brad’s late wife of 31 years, told of Brad’s willingness to always give and help people, encapsulated in a catch phrase that he unintentionally started and that she still uses: “I got a dollar.”

“Veerman always had a dollar, which meant that we’ll pitch in,” April said.

“It just carried on from there. I still say it — if someone is trying to sell a ticket for a benefit, ‘I got a dollar, how much is it?’ No matter how much money we had, we would always try to support someone.”

His family’s hope is that the area community will “have a dollar” and want to walk or run the 5k to honor Brad’s memory and legacy and support the 501(c)(3) Bradley Veerman Charity Fund, both causes in which Veerman’s late wife and kids are involved.

“In all honesty, if you’ve lost a loved one, people are afraid to bring them up. But on my side, we’re afraid they will be forgotten,” April said. “They were here, they did do good. That’s part of wanting a legacy.

“He did good while he was here, and we want that to continue that’s how he was all the time.”

Brad started a lifelong career in public service at just 16 years old, driving an ambulance for Kurtz Ambulance Service. From there, he worked as a firefighter, police officer, 911 dispatcher/telecommunicator, forest preserve, and even in security.

“He was always a worker bee. He always had two jobs because he loved police and fire and safety,” April said of his extensive dedication to helping others.

At the time of his death, Veerman was the Executive Director for the Laraway Communication Center public safety dispatch center, which handles 9-1-1 calls for a number of local communities including the Will County Sheriff.

Veerman had a hand in making the plans for the new building, including ensuring it was storm-safe.

He has long been lauded for his service and achievements, and a number of memorials have been erected in his honor, like the plaque at the New Lenox Police Department.

He was well-respected by those he worked with and knew in public service, which was evident by the outpouring of love after his passing.

“There’ve been plenty of FOP meetings in my basement. And he was a great father. Both my son and my daughter adored their father,” April said, noting that even though Brad was busy helping others, he always made time for his family and his two kids, Nicole and Kevin.

While careers in public safety often have a strong element of on-the-job training, there is background education that needs to be obtained, which is where the scholarships come into play. It also embodies who Brad was.

“He was just an overall nice guy. Always joyful. He always had a big grin on his face,” April said.

And he always wanted to share his knowledge, she added, helping new recruits, training, and being there to answer questions and teach.

April explained the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund scholarship can help those with a similar passion for helping others jumpstart their career.

Eventually, she’d like it to be an annual tradition of giving, but they’re still working on accumulating funds to make that happen.

The idea for the 5k came about as April is very active, running and walking in races all over for health benefits.

She credits her companion, Elwood Mayor Doug Jenco, with the idea for the 5k in Elwood. He had mentioned that she should organize a run honoring Brad in Elwood, and she quickly got to work.

Adding the race to the Elwood Community Days seemed like the perfect opportunity, as after the race, walkers or runners could relax and enjoy themselves at the entertainment tent.

The race will take place at 6 p.m. on the Friday of Community Days. Raffles and prizes will also be awarded after the race. There is a 75-minute cut-off time to finish the race.

Registration will be open up until race day, and the registration fee for the 5k is $35 plus a $3.99 service fee for signing up online.

Participants who sign up in advance will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Those who do not sign up in advance can do so on-site at 3 p.m. on race day, but the cost is $40 and does not guarantee a shirt. It is a rain or shine event.

Those who might “have a dollar” for Brad’s Charity Fund and are iinterested in registering should visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/IL/Elwood/ElwoodCommunityDaysK.

More information about the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund can be found online at https://bradleyveermancharityfund.org/.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

Brad and April Veerman pose under a shady tree. (Photo provided)