Kankakee Times

In a June 30 press release, Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) congratulated John Branz of Herscher, her district's two-time Governor's Volunteer Service Award winner.

"As a now two-time Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner, we are fortunate to have people like John Branz in the 79th District," Haas said. "With his tireless work in 30 years as a trustee for the Village of Herscher and countless volunteer experiences, he is truly an example of what commitment to service and community leadership is for our district and state."

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community runs the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

"These awards recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois," the commission's website says.

There were 20 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winners from across Illinois.

 According to The Daily Journal, a luncheon was held for Volunteer Service Award honorees in Springfield on April 27.

The publication said that it was Herscher Mayor Shannon Sweeney who nominated Branz for the award and that he would be retiring after three decades of involvement with the Village of Herscher. 

 "I was very surprised [and] very appreciative," Branz said. "It’s something I’ll always remember and always cherish."

Haas presented Branz with his certificate on June 8, according to the June 30 news release announcing his accomplishment. 

The news release also highlighted more of Branz's community service. His volunteer experience also includes involvement "in multiple service organizations throughout Kankakee County, including as Church Treasurer, Men’s Club secretary-treasurer, Chairman of the Trustees, and member of the Finance Committee at his church, Herscher United Methodist." The news release also said that he has had a role as co-chair of the Labor Day Parade since 1991, and was Herscher Chamber President in 1982.

According to the 2022 award winner's profiles, Branz has been part of the Herscher Village Board for almost three decades, and he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Kankakee Chapter of the American Red Cross between 1988 and 1990 and was also a charter member of the Board of Directors of Kankakee County Crimestoppers, from 1983-1992. He was the board president in 1989-1990.