Jim Walsko

About Jim:

Born May 14, 1946.

He and his wife, Karen, live in Hammond and have two children.

Graduate of Whiting High School class of 1964.

Attended Purdue University in West Lafayette and Western Kentucky University.

U.S. Army veteran.

Retired July 18 from the Hammond Fire Department with 33 ½ years of service; was chief fire inspector.

Recipient of the Hammond Mayor's Adult Volunteer Award for 2002 and past recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award.

Accomplishments: Jim Walsko volunteers for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at Gavit High School in Hammond. He's helped out at the event since it's inception in 2000. Walsko handles logistics, coordinating with the mayor, school city and civil city. He works with the street department that provides cones, handicap signage and a street sweeper; the marina for golf carts; the park department that provides picnic tables along with sand for the luminary ceremony; and the fire chief who sets us a small command at the site that is staffed by an emergency medical technician. Walsko helps to prepare the football field for the approximately 40 teams of 10 or more members by marking sites with painted lines and numbers to denote specific team areas and has a master board for reference. He takes on any number of duties ranging from running electricity and hanging lights to setting up a stage, placement of portable toilets and troubleshooting.

"It's like juggling 15 different things - plus anything that goes wrong," he said. Walsko describes the relay as a team effort for a worthwhile cause. "There are so many volunteers that help out," he said. "Cancer is a disease that affects everyone somewhere down the line. If events such as this will help eradicate the disease or alleviate the pain and suffering, then I think we're doing something worthwhile. It's so gratifying to see everyone out there for the same cause and it's a way to acknowledge survivors," he added.

What is most rewarding about volunteering? "I'm just a little cog in the wheel. This community works year round. There are so many people doing so much. It's great to be a part of something that could possibly have an affect on the eradication of the disease."

Personal hero: "I look up to anyone with integrity and honesty."

What I read: "I'm a mystery reader. I like John Sanford, Patterson and Clancy."

Advice: "I believe everyone should get involved, not only in the community, but in organizations like the American Cancer Society. We have a responsibility to get involved."

How to get involved: For information on the American Cancer Society or Relay for Life, call (219) 793-1030

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com