Newman Firefighter honored for 50 years of service

NEWMAN, Ill. (WAND) -- After 50 years of service one firefighter is hanging up his gear one last time.

Jim Sanstrom has served in several roles at Newman Community Fire Protection District including Assistant Fire Chief and Board of Trustee.

Wednesday night, State Senator Chapin Rose awarded Sanstrom with a certificate of recognition from the Illinois Senate.

"The Sanstrom family has been great neighbors to everybody in this town." said Rose.

Board of Trustee President Herb Aden presented Sanstrom with a service plaque from the fire department.

"I think that if you are in a larger community that you don't know the people you deal with you don't care as much probably, well they all care, don't get me wrong but that can also make it more difficult too, because you are always working with people you know." said Sanstrom.

While he is hanging up his gear, he believes that his 50 years of service has been successful.

"It was a fun time all 50 years and a lot of time were trying. But, you get through them and go onto the next thing and I've enjoyed it." said Sanstrom.