The First National Bank of Arenzville has announced the winner of the “Blue Diamond Community Service Award” for 2019. This is the sixth year for the award, created to recognize outstanding volunteers in the First National Bank service area and the work they’ve done to benefit the people of West Central Illinois.

The announcement was made by First National Bank President Kai Schnitker, “we are happy to announce the winner of the Blue Diamond Community Service Award for 2019. This year’s award recognizes an amazing presence in our community, Mr. Alan Bradish.” Schnitker went on to say that Bradish was selected from the largest field of nominees yet in the six years of the award.

According to Schnitker, Mr. Bradish has been a longtime volunteer. He is a native of Jacksonville, but has worked as a missionary in Russia, volunteer hospital chaplain, V.I.S.T.A. volunteer, a houseparent with Alaskan Children’s Services and as a caseworker with the Jacksonville Salvation Army. Bradish is an Ordained Minister and educator. In August of 2017, he took on the position of Volunteer Chaplain to the Jacksonville Police Department. In that role he serves as a spiritual presence to area first responders and as a liaison between law enforcement and the community.

According to First National Bank Vice President and Branch Manager Kevin Heitz, “this award was created to recognize outstanding Jacksonville area volunteers like Mr. Bradish. His work visiting area hospitals, his community outreach and his extensive volunteer support of our police and fire departments makes him a notable standout in our community. We hope that honoring him is an inspiration to others who give of their time and expertise.”

Schnitker explains the origins of the award, “Blue Diamond Service is about being the best…it’s about doing more than what is expected and delivering a truly outstanding level of service. We felt there are people working in our communities who deserve some recognition for going above and beyond. That’s why we created the Blue Diamond Community Service Award.”

Nominations for the annual award are open to anyone within the First National Bank Service Area. Nominees could be serving in a volunteer position or they might be delivering an outstanding level of service as a professional aid worker or caregiver. Virtually anyone doing their best to provide Blue Diamond Service to the community is eligible for the award.
As recipient of the 2019 Blue Diamond Community Service Award, Mr. Bradish was presented with a commemorative award statuette. Mr. Bradish has also had his name placed on a perpetual plaque displayed at the First National Bank of Arenzville.

Schnitker says he hopes to see the excitement about this recognition continue to grow. “We know that no one who is doing volunteer work is actively seeking an award. That’s what makes this so enjoyable…we get to shine a spotlight on great service and the people getting this recognition are sometimes almost surprised to be noticed. We look forward to celebrating volunteers and the work they are doing throughout our area for many years to come.”