GURNEE, IL - July 16, 2009 - Two Village of Gurnee employees – Battalion Fire Chief Barry Henby and Police Officer Michael Young – have been awarded the prestigious Illinois American Legion 2009 Department Award for work in each of their respective areas.

The year of 1948 was an eventful year for the Gurnee Fire Department. I joined the department on February 17, 1948.

At that time Charles Hook was Chief of the Department.

On Wednesday, February 25th at the Independence Grove Visitors Center, the Lake County Fire Chiefs Public Education Team hosted the first "YouTube Video Contest Awards Ceremony."

High school students throughout Lake County submitted fire safety videos that were judged for fire safety and burn prevention messages. Warren High School freshman Mathurshan Vimalesvaran was the recipient of the First Place Award. Click here to view the video!