Soldiers Grove fireman named Crawford County Firefighter of the Year
The 2017 Firefighter of the Year John Young (center) accepts the honor from Todd Krachey, Wauzeka Fire Chief and Crawford County Fire Association president (left), and Todd Fischer, Boscobel Fire Chief and Crawford County Fire Association vice president. (Submitted photo)
The 2017 Crawford County Firefighter of the Year award was recently awarded to John Young, of the Soldiers Grove Fire Department.
Young is one of the department’s most senior members. He’s served as a Soldiers Grove firefighter for over 53 years.
He and his family moved to Soldiers Grove in 1955. He was instrumental in starting the dental clinic and still-operating Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic. He was involved in the beginning of the North Crawford Rescue Squad in 1972.
A Korean War veteran, Young is also a member of Legion Post 220. He’s been involved in the VFW and Eagles Club for 40 years, in addition to the Soldiers Grove Rod and Gun Club and the Methodist Church. He’s about to hang up his hat as a member of the Couleecap Board of Directors after 48 years. He’s also been the area fire warden for years. Young owns his own sporting goods and TV shop as well.
“He, by far, should be honored and praised on his commitment to the local area and also is a staple in the volunteer world, as he takes volunteering to a whole new level, noted Soldiers Grove Chief Ben Clason, who nominated Young for the honor.
