McDermott served as chief of the department for the first time in 2002 and then again in 2012. He was the only person to ever be elected to serve a second term as chief in the 116-year history of the Lynbrook Fire Department.

In December, Union County Council voted unanimously to authorize a loan of $300,000 from the Union County Economic Development Fund to the Bonham Fire Department to help the department build a new fire station. The decision to do so was driven in large part by the county’s efforts to promote economic development in general, particularly the manufacturing sector, a significant portion of which is located in the Bonham Community.

"The foundation work has started and they are moving a lot of soil out because of, I guess, some contamination from asbestos," Atsalis said. "If you drive by some times you might think you are watching a lunar landing with the uniforms the men and women are wearing there."