City Recognizes Jim Hanson for 30 Years with ESDA

Jim Hanson said he got started with Geneva's Emergency Services and Disaster Agency when a Geneva student ran off the road, hit a tree and was killed in a drunken driving accident.

"We just started directing traffic," Hanson told the City Council Monday night. "It was a case of, 'What can I do to help?' "

The tragic accident happened more than three decades ago, and if there was any good that came of that day, it might have been that Hanson has continued to help the community for 30 years.

Hanson has worked 30 consecutive Swedish Days parades. He's directed traffic at hundreds of Geneva football and basketball games and public events. He's been called to action in almost every storm watch.

"He's a good guy," said Hanson's wife, Debbie, who attended the City Council meeting Monday to see Jim recognized for his service.

Geneva's ESDA was created in accordance with the Illinois Emergency Services and Disaster Act of 1975, primarily for the purposes of civil defense and disaster relief. The agency consists of a coordinator appointed by the mayor, and additional members who are selected by the coordinator.

Members are called on by the coordinator and meet at unspecified times throughout the year.

Mayor Kevin Burns thanked Hanson, presented him with a plaque recognizing his three decades of volunteer service—work that he and others often do "without great fanfare."

Burns also asked Hanson what he would say to young people who might be interested in community service.

"Just get started," he said. "Thirty years—I can’t even believe it. It flies by. But every event, you get something back from it. Every event, you learn smething. I think anyone on the Fire Department or ESDA would tell you, it’s something when a homeowner comes up to you and thanks you for something you've done."