January 20, 2021
Galesburg City Council approved a resolution last night to honor former Galesburg Fire Chief, the late Dale May, by naming the Hawthorne Centre Regional Training Site for firefighters in his honor. During May’s tenure as chief, he spearheaded the acquisition and opening of the fire training center, which is still in operation today and hosts many area training classes and activities. May’s granddaughter Dena May Turner spoke on her family’s behalf about May’s legacy as a true fireman, and a leader who pushed his team to be better. “He was said to be ahead of his time with his vision for the department,” she read. “And as I’ve been told by some of the men that worked with him, he was referred to as the “Chief of Chiefs” having the natural ability to engage those in his department. His strength is said to be one of the greatest motivational tools a leader can use.” Another former Fire Chief Tom Simkins, was in the department in 1985 when the