Naperville Fire Department’s 150th anniversary showcased in new exhibit
Naper Settlement is hosting a new exhibit, “A Strong Back and A Strong Mind: 150 Years of the Naperville Fire Department,” through December.
The exhibit, which commemorates the fire department’s 150th anniversary, shows its evolution through the years and how it serves the community.
Located throughout the museum’s grounds are artifacts, archival materials and oral histories from Naper Settlement’s and retired firefighters’ collections, Settlement officials said in a news release.
In the Pre-Emption House are firefighter equipment, uniforms, fire prevention materials and more, the release said.
The Murray House features a temporary gallery that highlights Naperville’s civil defense during the Cold War, which then evolved into the emergency management department. The firehouse exhibits feature the role competition and sport had in the early years of the fire service.
There are also child-friendly trivia facts about fire and firefighting. The new exhibit is included with admission.
For more information, go to www.napersettlement.org.
Jennifer Slown named American Legion Post 43’s Citizen of the Year
The American Legion Post 43 has named Jennifer Slown, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, as its Citizen of the Year.
Slown joined the Marine Corps in 2009. She was co-chair of the Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation’s Gold Star Family Memorial initiative from March 2020 to May 2023. The 6-foot-tall granite monument was installed at Naperville’s Veterans Park and dedicated in May 2023.
Slown has organized the Disney Karaoke Fundraiser at the VFW Post, which raises money for the VFW Nationals Children’s Home in Michigan. She also started the Veteran Business Connection to promote veteran-owned businesses.
Slown is senior vice commander for the American Legion Post 43, is active in VFW Post 3873, is a member of the Women Marines Association, helps transitions Marines from active duty to civilian life and helps the Toys for Tots organization.
Slown, her husband Scott and three children, Riley, Madison and Luke live in Naperville.
Naperville police will be seeking donations to benefit Special Olympics Illinois May 17 during their annual Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin, 1580 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville. (Naperville Sun file photo)
Naperville police and police foundation to hold awareness events in May
The Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Police Foundation are holding events that focus on first responders awareness, community building and public safety.
A Peace Officers’ Memorial Observance will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, at the Public Safety Plaza and Memorial Wall, 1350 Aurora Ave.
From 5 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, police will be seeking donations to benefit Special Olympics Illinois during its annual Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin, 1580 W. Ogden Ave. The fundraiser supports athletes and each guest who makes a donation will receive a coupon for a free doughnut. Guests who donate $10 or more will receive a tumbler, while supplies last, and a coupon for a free medium coffee.
Residents can chat with Police Chief Jason Arres, local police office and members of the foundation’s board of directors at a spring social from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Scott School, 500 Warwick Drive. Residents can ask questions, share ideas and gather with their neighbors during the free event. Refreshments will be served.
