2020 Frank Lamping Community Service Award
UNION GROVE, WI – Nearly 100 people gathered at Community State Bank in Union Grove on Thursday (9/24) for the second annual Frank Lamping Community Service Award Celebration. This year’s award was presented to retired Fire Chief and teacher, Tom Czerniak.
Named in Frank’s honor, the award was created in 2019 to acknowledge and celebrate a community member who exemplifies positivity, selflessness, leadership and inspires others to give back to the community.
“To be named the second recipient of this particular award means a lot,” said Czerniak. “If there’s any piece of advice I can leave with those in our community, it’s to continue to make time for extras. Make time for organizations and clubs that don’t necessarily benefit you, but instead others.”
As an award recipient, Czerniak was also gifted $1,000 to donate to a non-profit organization of his choice. As a retired 42-year volunteer Firefighter and EMT, Czerniak chose Union Grove Yorkville Fire and Rescue.
“Tom is so deserving of this award. His commitment to helping others is evident throughout our community,” said CSB Market President, Dave Moyer. “We’re honored to present this award to Tom and we congratulate him on this accomplishment.”
Tom and his wife Peggy have resided in Union Grove for nearly 50 years. Tom served as the Biology and Advance Biology Instructor at Union Grove High School for over 34 years. He also dedicated his time towards serving as a Track Coach, Science Department Chairman, Ski Club Advisor, Senior Class Trip Advisor, and the “Voice of the Broncos” at varsity football games.
Czerniak volunteered as a Firefighter and EMT for the Union Grove Yorkville Fire and Rescue, and was the Chief for 17 years. From 1980 until January 2020 Tom was an Instructor at Gateway Technical College for the Basic Emergency Medical Technician classes. Tom also currently serves as the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner for Racine County.
“I have so much respect for Tom,” said Retired Community Pharmacist and Award Committee Member, Gerry Hancock. “I remember times that Tom was in church or at a party, and when he received a call from the local rescue squad, he dropped everything and made sure he was available to those in need. That’s just who Tom is.”
Community State Bank plans on organizing a committee each year to nominate future inspiring leaders. The Community State Bank nominating committee for the 2020 Frank Lamping Community Service Award included: Al Mollerskov (Union Grove High School), Andrea Lamping (Spouse, Frank Lamping | Bower Design & Construction), Carolyn Preston (Piggly Wiggly), Chris Bower (Bower Design & Construction), Gerry Hancock (Retired Community Pharmacist) and Toni Martin (Martin’s Garage).
