When the Halloween weekend reveler stumbled while leaving Roscoe's in Lakeview, Mike Anderson sprang into action, aiding the injured customer before paramedics arrived on the scene.
Anderson is, after all, a volunteer with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management and some of his duties in that suburban job include providing CPR instruction to volunteers and numerous Medical Reserve Corp. members. Anderson is a Certified BLS ( basic life support ) instructor for CPR, AED ( automated external defibrilators ) and first aid through the American Heart Association. He also has undergone training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( DHS ) .
At Roscoe's, Anderson works on the floor staff and in security detail. He wears the familiar gold name badge and an earpiece to communicate with other staff membersbut don't expect Anderson to offer a cold beer or sweet cocktail.
"The Roscoe's work, well, I really do that for the fun. I like people and like to talk to people," he said.
Anderson's full-time gig is a bit more stressful. He is a water operator for the city of Geneva, a position he's held for more than 10 years. He is a Class A Public Water Supply Operator, licensed through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
"I have to explain to most a little in-depth about what I do," Anderson said, smiling. "Basically, we take well water and, through reverse osmosis, we take out everything [ foreign ] except the pure water molecule and then add [ healthy ] chemicals and aeration to bring [ the water ] back to its normal state. We then distribute it to our customers."
In short, Anderson is part of a team that delivers the safest possible drinking water ( softened, and radiant- and pollutant-free ) for the residents of Geneva.
"I like what I do; I really like the customer service aspect because there's a new problem or situation every day; it's never the same thing back to back days," Anderson said. "My job is challenging every day."
Anderson's resume also includes:
Fire commissioner of the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District since October, 2009;
Certified firefighter II through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal;
Intelligence training through the National Intelligence Agency;
Certified severe weather spotter through the National Weather Service;
Was the public works superintendent for the Village of Elburn from June 1996 through June 2001; and
10 years as an armed auxiliary police officer for the Village of Elburn Police Department.
"All of my jobs are, or have been, rewarding because I'm giving back to the community or providing a service," Anderson said.
THE STATS
Age; 41
Hometown: Elburn, Ill.
Relationship status: Single
Education; Kaneland Community High School, class of 1988
Hobbies; Music, traveling, dancing and dining out.
Little-known fact; "I'm talented in many different fields."
Favorite Chicago restaurants; Sullivan's and Rose Bud
Favorite movie: Schindler's List
Photos by Ross Forman, Anderson