[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN TALLMAN

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute 
to an exceptional hometown hero, John Tallman, who is retiring as 
president of the Bourbonnais, IL, Fire Protection District after 48 
years of distinguished service.
  On June 7, 1997 colleagues, friends, and family gathered to celebrate 
John's retirement after a lifelong commitment to the fire department 
and the community of Bourbonnais. He certainly deserves such 
recognition.
  Although a farmer by profession, at age 28, John began his service 
with the volunteer-operated fire protection district as an appointed 
trustee and was then elected president. As testimony to his commitment 
and integrity, John has remained the only president in the fire 
protection district's 49-year history.
  Over the years, John guided the fire protection district through 
remarkable periods of growth and modernization. Under John Tallman's 
tenure, the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District distinguished itself 
as one of the outstanding all-volunteer fire departments in the State. 
Improvements to the fire department facilities, equipment, and service 
instituted under John's direction enabled the department to better 
respond to the growing number of emergencies and helped save lives and 
property.
  In addition to his duties with the fire protection district, John has 
also been a dedicated husband and father, an 18-year member of the 
Bourbonnais Elementary School Board, a farmer, and a 19-year member of 
the Kankakee County Board of School Trustees.
  John is a role model for all Americans and I commend him for his 
selfless service and effective leadership to the citizens of 
Bourbonnais and of our State. A fellow firefighter once described John 
as being one of a kind. John Tallman leaves behind big shoes to fill, 
and his leadership and vision as fire protection district president 
will be missed.

                          ____________________