John Kelley served as Fire Chief of the Roscoe Fire Department and was a respected community leader whose dedication extended well beyond the fire service.
John and his wife owned and operated John L. Kelley & Sons, a gravel and excavating business located north of Roscoe. Their commitment to the community was evident through their generous donation of land that became Kelley-Meyers Park, a lasting legacy for the residents of Roscoe.
The Kelley family's tradition of service continued with John's son, Mike Kelley, who served with the department from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s. Reflecting on those years, Mike recalled, "I remember as a kid going with my mom to take coffee to my dad and the firefighters working a fire on the corner of Main Street and Harrison Street." His memories provide a glimpse into the close-knit, volunteer spirit that defined the department during that era.
Chief Kelley's leadership, commitment to public service, and investment in the Roscoe community left a lasting impact on both the fire department and the village he proudly served.