Ex-Clarendon Hills Fire Captain Gets Kentucky Honor

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Lifelong Clarendon Hills resident David Charles Sobottke was recently awarded his commission as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear, governor of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Col. James P. McCarthy, acting in his capacity as a Kentucky Colonel and as Aide-de-Camp to Gov. Beshear, personally presented Mr. Sobottke with his commission during a ceremony on January 27, 2024. Also present to assist in this presentation were Col. Mark Laketa, Col. Frank Messina, Col. Tina Messina and Col. Richard Roderick.

The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to his community, state, and nation. (The award goes to people around the country and world.)

During the presentation, Col. McCarthy stated, “Col. Sobottke is a pillar of our local community, having lived his entire life in Clarendon Hills.

He attended Prospect School, Hinsdale Junior High School and Hinsdale Central High School. Dave has been involved in numerous community activities, including Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Dave was active in the Clarendon Hills Jaycees and coached flag football. He also served on the Clarendon Hills Community Caucus.”

Col. McCarthy continued, “Perhaps he is best known in the village for his longtime service to the fire department. Col. Sobottke joined the Clarendon Hills Fire Department in 1973 and achieved the rank of Captain. He served for over 50 years before recently being forced from the department by a newly passed village ordinance mandating retirement at age 65.”

Sobottke was elated by this honor and stated, “I may have been forced to retire by an ungrateful village board, and they may not appreciate me, but it is truly gratifying that Gov. Beshear and the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky do. And it’s a nice promotion from Captain to Colonel!”