Ed Holzwarth, 2006 - Longtime resident, Fire Chief and community volunteer Ed Holzwarth has contributed his energies toward making Macomb and Western Illinois University a successful match for nearly 40 years. Holzwarth joined the Macomb Fire Department in 1966 and climbed his way to Fire Chief in 1977, holding the position until his retirement in 1991. In conjunction with the Macomb Fire Department, he was a member of several professional organizations, serving twice as president of the McDonough County Fire Association. His seemingly endless list of community involvements includes the YMCA Board of Directors, Macomb Kiwannis Club, McDonough County Heart Association, First Presbyterian Church, McDonough County Cancer Association, McDonough County United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Macomb High School Booster Club, Little League Coach and Macomb Park District Adult Women's Softball Coach. His contributions to Western Illinois Athletics over the years have included the Western Athletic Club, the NCAA Sports Accreditation Committee and selection committees for four head coaches. In 2000, Holzwarth was the recipient of Western Illinois' Honorary Alumni Award. He is currently President of the Macomb Downtown Athletic Club and has spent the last 15 years as a volunteer at McDonough District Hospital. Holzwarth's wife, Sue, and their three children all graduated from Western Illinois. Ed and his family have been remembered and loved by a multitude of student-athletes and coaches who have come through Macomb and Western Illinois University.

According to Holzwarth, “One of the reasons we have remained in Macomb since we moved here in 1964 has been the WIU community. We have truly enjoyed being WIU fans.”