Parade Marshal For Swedish Days Festival Announced

GENEVA, IL – Dale Warfel, a long-time St. Charles resident and leader for Geneva's Emergency Management Agency, has been named the 2018 Swedish Days Parade Marshal. Warfel graduated from St. Charles East High School in 1982 and after graduation, he worked in the family business, Read Septic Service/ Warfel's Multi-Flo. In 1982 he bought into the business and the following year, joined Geneva's Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) as a volunteer where he has served for the last 35 years, according to the news release. The agency is now called Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

He worked his way through the organization to become Assistant Coordinator. Working more than 350 hours a year, he enjoys storm watching, making sure parades start on time, marathons, Christmas Walk, Swedish Days and assisting the Fire and Police Department with traffic accidents.

“Dale has responded to emergencies, worked festivals (including parade line-up at Swedish Days) and done so much behind-the-scenes work that I'm sure no one even notices, unless you work with him in the Agency," said Betty Collins, Warfel's former co-worker at EMA. "He has volunteered thousands of hours with EMA. He does this out of the goodness of his heart and never for recognition. Dale is the face of Geneva EMA."

"Having worked with and known Dale for years, I can honestly say that I can't think of anyone who deserves the great honor more than Dale Warfel. He truly deserves the recognition," Collins said. "You can be assured that he will get the parade all lined up and ready to step off as usual.”

Warfel and his wife have been married for 32 years and have two sons, Eric and Kevin. Warfel has been a Geneva resident for the last 28 years. When he is not spending his time with EMA, he volunteers at his church.

“I feel honored and astonished to have been named Honorary Parade Marshall. I could not have done any of this without the other members (of EMA) to help make things run more efficiently,” stated Warfel.

Swedish Days Festival supported by Northwestern Medicine runs Tuesday to Sunday, June 19-24. For more information, visit the Chamber's website.

Photo via the Chamber of Commerce