Fox Valley Fire & Safety Memorial Page
Gerald (Jerry) L. Prybylski
Deceased September 15, 2011
Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
September 17, 1979 - September 17, 2004
 Jerry served proudly in the Air Force and Vietnam, fulfilling his boyhood dream of becoming a firefighter. After his military duty, Jerry continued to serve and protect as a firefighter at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, Glenview Naval Station and Fermi Lab. He obtained an Associate Degree in Fire Protection from Triton Junior College and a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in Fire Science Management.
A change in career brought Jerry to begin his 25-year career with Fox Valley Fire & Safety in 1979. Jerry began working as a Fire Safety Technician, serving our customers for the next 14 years.
In 1993 Jerry's friendly personality led him to work successfully as a Sales Representative. The later years, Jerry worked in our Accounts Receivable Department until his retirement on September 17, 2004. He chose this day because it was exactly 25 years to the day. Plus, the next day, Saturday, was the anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, of which he was a proud veteran. Jerry was always punctual; a must in the military, fire fighting and sales.
In retirement, Jerry and Rochelle, his wife of 39 years, enjoyed traveling and spending time with their beloved dog, Snowball.
Jerry brought his charm, humor, patriotism, and friendliness to Fox Valley Fire & Safety and will long be remembered for the contributions he made to the company. His Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family will remember him as a wonderful friend.
Thanks Jerry.
Shirley Mertens
February 11, 1931 – July 13, 2011
Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
November 1, 1974 – December 31, 1998
 Shirley began her second career at Fox Valley Fire & Safety learning our business in a general office position, after many years with Allstate. Very quickly, Shirley became our full-time typist and transcriptionist. Shirley started in 1974 long before computers were available for word processing, spell check did not exist and the only way to get more than one copy was to use carbon paper.
Shirley's accuracy and speed were important since corrections had to be made first with an eraser, later with correction tape, and finally Liquid Paper was invented. The "old timers" here at Fox Valley Fire can still hear the high speed click-clack of her typewriter.
Shirley was a master at deciphering horrible handwriting, as we had not yet purchased a dictation system. She had a great talent of re-wording written communication; she made each person's letters look great and was able to communicate based on the personal style of each person. There was no way to create or save a macro back then so each letter and contract was an original. Shirley was our "original" for 24 years, until her retirement at the end of 1998.
While working full-time all those years, Shirley raised twin daughters, Diane and Donna followed by another daughter, Sharon. All three girls have fond memories of their childhood with their wonderful mother. Shirley was also a very proud grandmother to 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson, and a great-grandmother to 3 great-grandchildren.
Shirley attended our Annual Employee Appreciation Banquet in 2008 as a special retiree guest. It was wonderful to have Shirley in attendance and welcome her to her Fox Valley Fire Family Reunion.
Here's to you Shirley!
Steve Matousek
February 15, 1959-May 25, 2010
Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
June 3, 1986-May, 25, 2010
ViewFox Valley Fire & Safety is a "family" company that exudes that sense of belonging. Many of our past and present employees are related to, or are friends with someone that works here. It's often said on your first day, "Whom do you know and how do you know them?". Steve Matousek "knew" his brother Tom Matousek, already a FVFS employee; back in 1986 when he took what he thought was a temporary job as a Standard Products Sales Representative. Steve was born and raised in Algonquin, IL, and a graduate of Jacobs High School. With a Bachelors Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Steve was a natural salesman with the charm and wit to close the deal. In 1994, Steve's sales success led him to work beside his brother Tom as a Fire Alarm Salesman, and later joined by another brother, Dave Matousek. Three competitive brothers all selling the same thing made for some interesting discussions. Steve's annual sales efforts contributed greatly to the growth of the Fire Alarm Division and Fox Valley Fire & Safety.
On the personal side, Steve was a proud father to three daughters. He loved to tell a story, had a great laugh, and often flashed the "peace" sign as he left the building. With a life cut too short, we will all miss Steve's contributions to Fox Valley Fire & Safety, both professionally and personally.
Peace Steve.
Bonnie Harris
October 28, 1936-March 29, 2010
Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
November 14, 1988-November 1, 2001
 Bonnie began her Fox Valley career as our Office Mail Clerk. The daily mail was delivered with her friendly demeanor. Shortly, an opportunity as Purchasing Clerk came her way. In this position, Bonnie gained valuable knowledge of the "ins and outs" of our Shipping and Receiving Department. Her diligent work ethic, responsiveness to department needs, and belief that the right way to do a job is the only way to do a job, made Bonnie the obvious choice for Purchasing Manager in 1991. As Manager, Bonnie implemented and taught many of the procedures still used today. Bonnie is an example of a conscientious employee succeeding within our company.
Although Bonnie loved the Southwest, upon her retirement in 2001, she returned to her native state of Michigan. She was now near what she loved most, her family; three daughters, one son, 9 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren.
Thank you Bonnie. | 
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