Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) recently congratulated John Branz, her district's two-time Governor's Volunteer Service Award winner. This is the second time that Branz, a Herscher resident, has won the award.

"As a now two-time Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner, we are fortunate to have people like John Branz in the 79th District," Rep. Haas said in a press release. "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."

Serve Illinois, the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community, administers 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. 

Volunteer Service Award winners were honored at a luncheon in Springfield on April 27, the Daily Journal said. The publication said Herscher Mayor Shannon Sweeney nominated Branz for the award, and that Branz would be retiring after three decades of service to the Village of Herscher. 

"I was very surprised [and] very appreciative. It’s something I’ll always remember and always cherish," the publication quoted Branz as saying.

Haas presented Branz with a certificate on June 8, the press release from her office said. Branz's community service 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 said. Branz has also been co-chair of the Labor Day Parade since 1991 and was Herscher Chamber President in 1982, the release said.

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