After 23 Years of Service, Kane County Honors Longtime OEM Volunteer Terry Ostrander
After 23 Years of Service, Kane County Honors Longtime OEM Volunteer Terry Ostrander
A volunteer is someone who willingly gives their time, skills, or service without expecting anything in return. It's a definition that perfectly describes Terry Ostrander.
After nearly 23 years of dedicated service, Ostrander officially retired from his volunteer duties with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) this year. In recognition of his commitment and impact, fellow OEM members honored him with a plaque and a round of applause at their August membership meeting.
“I think it's incredibly important for our agency to recognize excellence and unwavering commitment, especially from someone like Terry, who has devoted more than two decades to serving his community," said OEM Director Scott Buziecki. “His knowledge and presence have improved this agency and his contributions will be felt for years to come."
Ostrander's service has spanned multiple facets of emergency management, from years spent supporting search and rescue to his vital role in internal and public communications, serving as the editor of the OEM newsletter since 2016 and contributing to the agency's social media and public education teams. His outreach included presentations on severe weather awareness, winter weather preparedness and the creation of numerous public service announcements on safety topics for the OEM's Facebook page.
With a professional background in behavioral health, Ostrander brought expertise and compassion to OEM's Medical & Safety Committee and led the volunteer Medical Reserve Corps during its time under OEM administration. Prior to his retirement, he worked for 43 years with the Will County Health Department's Division of Behavioral Health, serving as a clinician, staff supervisor, and site manager. He shared that the events of 9/11 inspired him to get involved with OEM and make a difference.
Originally planning to step away earlier this year, Terry chose to extend his service for a few more months before officially retiring to focus on his and his wife's health.
Reflecting on his years of service, Ostrander said, “I've met so many wonderful people in my time with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. It's been an honor to be part of this team."
Terry Ostrander's service underscores the value and importance of volunteers in supporting public safety through the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. So far in 2025, the professional volunteers who work with the agency have logged over 7,600 hours of service. (on pace for about 11,500)
To learn more about the Kane County Office of Emergency Management, visit http://www.kcoem.org/.
