HOMER, Ill. (AP) - When he was the age that many kids are when they dream of riding in a fire truck and putting out fires, Don Happ dreamed of getting under the hood of a car.
"I just liked working on cars - fast cars," said Happ, who in his teens found a 1972 Oldsmobile 442 near Broadlands, bought it for $300 and spent the next four years restoring it from top to bottom.
The Philo native started working as a mechanic at his uncle's automotive-repair business outside of Homer. He eventually settled in the village and opened his own business, Don's Auto Center.
Happ got to know a lot of the local firefighters when he serviced their cars. It didn't take long before one of them asked him to join the volunteer department.
"I said no for three years," recalled Happ, who was newly married and trying to get his business off the ground. "I didn't have the time. And at that time, I didn't know I had an interest."
Then, in May 1987, Happ changed his mind. Unlike many of the volunteers who worked out-of-town, Happ's shop sat across the street from the old fire station. He figured he would be able to respond to calls more quickly than some.
"It took some time to learn the trucks and the district, but I really enjoyed it," Happ said, adding that hasn't changed after 28 years on the department, the last 20 as chief.
"I like the brotherhood," continued Happ, who's serving his third year as president of the Champaign County Fire Chief's Association. "We're like a big family. And I really enjoy helping people and trying to make their worst day a little better."
The Homer district encompasses 52 square miles in southeastern Champaign County and southwestern Vermilion County. It has about 2,500 residents.
Currently, there are 28 volunteers, including five women. They average about 145 calls a year - 100 medical and the rest fire or mutual aid.
Within in a year on the department, Happ became the maintenance officer. His work experience came in handy when vehicles needed repairs.
"The brakes, the engine, the transmission on a fire truck are similar (to other vehicles). They're just a lot bigger," Happ said.
After four years, Happ was named assistant fire chief. Four years later, then-Chief Chuck Benner decided to retire.
"He thought it was my turn to serve," recalled Happ, who was honored to step up.
"You couldn't ask for a better chief," Mike Johnson said of Happ, one of two who recommended Johnson to the department 22 years ago.
Source : http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/2/exchange-chief-turns-auto-expertise-into-career/
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