Tornado siren dedication in Fairdale: Proud to be part of a larger effort
Posted by David Dosier
on May 24, 2016
David Dosier (left) and Jim Nelson of Rotary prepare to unveil the new sign on the Fairdale warning system tower.
Fairdale – About 20 people assembled at the tornado warning siren to recognize the funding organization, Rotary District 6420 and the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club. David Dosier, president of the Kishwaukee club, delivered some short comments to a mix of Rotarians and Fairdale residents. His comments emphasized that while they were there to recognize the efforts of Rotary, they were simply one contributor among many.
Dosier stated “Rotary is only one of many service organizations that contributed, and continue to contribute, to the recovery efforts here in Fairdale. We are one of many who donated time, money or material goods – to help the residents of Fairdale get back on their feet and, in this case, have more resources at their disposal in the future. We are one of many who stepped up to help meet the needs of a community. So while the spotlight is on Rotary for these few minutes, let me emphasize that we are proud to be part of a much larger effort.”
The warning siren system and tower was funded by Rotary District 6420, which encompasses over 40 Rotary clubs in the northern Illinois region, west of Chicago. The project cost approximately $16,000. The Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary club served as the District’s agent in coordinating the project. Rotary District Governor, Jim Nelson, of Rockford, was on hand for the ceremony and unveiled the bronze sign that is now mounted on the tower, recognizing Rotary’s role in providing the siren system.
Fairdale residents Marcie Richardson (from left), Peggy Cline and Charlene Roach next to the new sign.
Marcie Richardson, a resident of Fairdale, was on hand for the ceremony as well.
She recounted for the group that she wouldn’t have survived the tornado that hit Fairdale in April 2015 if she had been home. Luckily, she was away that day.
She testified that the new warning siren works well. “It gave me quite a scare the first time they tested it, but I’m not complaining. I’m thankful for it.”
Dosier finished by thanking Bill Nicklas and the DeKalb County Long Term Recovery Corporation for helping Rotary identify the need and facilitating the purchase and construction of the tower and system.