2 Batavia Firemen Named Firefighter Of The Year For 2020, 2021 At Joint Ceremony

BATAVIA, IL — Two firemen from the Batavia Fire Department were awarded titles of Firefighter of the Year at the annual awards dinner Saturday. After last year's event was posponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time, Saturday's event covered both 2020 and 2021.

Charles Tragas and Ron Konen were named Firefighter of the Year for 2020 and 2021, respectively, at the dinner where about 75 members were in attendance.

"The entire Batavia Fire Department Benevolent Association Membership would like to congratulate FF's Tragas and Konen for their work and dedication to the residents of Batavia," officials said in a news release.

Tragas, a firefighter and paramedic, joined the department on Jan. 17, 2017. He lives in Arlington Heights with his wife, Kelly, and their son.

"Charlie’s dedication and appreciation for the traditions of this job have instilled a sense of pride in the BFD that serves as inspiration to the rest of the department," said a written nomination for the firefighter.

Konen, this year's honoree, was sworn into the department on Jan. 18, 1977. In a statement about the awards dinner, officials said the firefighter, known as "Barn Boss" around the department, is dedicated and has a passion for his department and its members that will "forever be instilled with us."

"People like Ron are hard to come by, and when he's telling a story around the rig or kitchen table, people stop what they're doing and listen," the North Aurora resident's nomination said. "They listen because he's one of the most respected men on the department and they want to learn anything they can from him. ... His attitude and work ethic brings every member around him up a notch when he arrives for duty."

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