ROCK ISLAND — Rock Island detective Gene Karzin and Fire Marshal Jeff Hindman have the perfect end to their careers. Mr. Karzin is a recent retiree, and Fire Marshal Hindman will retire at the end of the year. Both won the 33rd annual Knights of Columbus Civic Awards; Mr. Karzin for Police Officer of the Year and Fire Marshal Hindman for Firefighter of the Year.

"It kind of took me by surprise to even be nominated. I don't really know what makes me stand out," said Fire Marshal Hindman. "It's an honor to be recognized" by the Knights of Columbus and fellow firefighters, he said. "I kind of almost look at it as a lifetime achievement award for me."

Mr. Karzin was just as humble.

"There's a lof of people nominated, probably of which deserved it more than I," he said. He had been nominated in the past, but always pushed people to vote for those out on patrol, feeling they were more deserving of the award. He was surprised to hear he had won, but says it is "special that it was my last year."

Mr. Karzin had been nominated four times before, according to Rock Island Police Chief Scott Harris, who said Mr. Karzin was an "impeccable worker" and an "outstanding detective." He was excellent at talking to people and was the closer for tough interviews. "He was a very good employee. Gene put the needs of others before himself," said Chief Harris.

Fire Marshal Hindman started his career after working in construction with an East Moline firefighter, who encouraged him to take the test at only 20 years old. He started with the Rock Island Fire Department at age 21. Now, 35 years later, he is wrapping up his career in the same place it began.

Mr. Karzin followed in his father's footsteps. "My dad was a cop for Rock Island for 32 years," he said. Before coming to Rock Island, Mr. Karzin was a police officer in Louisiana. He was with the Rock Island force for 23 years, spending the last 14 as a detective.

For Fire Marshal Hindman, the most rewarding part of his job is helping people be safe. Whether it's rescuing people from a fire, giving medical treatment, or educating young kids to "stop, drop and roll," he feels safety is the most important aspect. "It's rewarding to get involved with other people's lives and know that somewhere down the road you might affect their lives," he said.

"The rewarding part is to find out the answers for victims," said Mr. Karzin. He feels his work helped victims and their families find peace.

"The Knights of Columbus has really done something for the department as a whole," said Mr. Karzin. He feels the award is an honor for the entire police force.

Fire Marshal Hindman also gives lots of credit to everyone who has been a positive influence on him throughout his career. "I'd just like to thank everybody. I appreciate their support."




Civic Awards


What: The 33rd annual Knights of Labor Civic Awards
When: Sunday, June 10 starting at 5 pm
Where: Rock Island VFW post 1303; 3715 9th St., Rock Island, IL

There will be a roast beef dinner and entertainment by Jordan Middle School singers. Local elementary students also will present a program called “How Police Officers and Firefighters Help Our Community.” Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for those 12 and younger.