30 Years of Service: Byron Pastor Receives City Plaque
Gary Cortese, chaplain for three local emergency services, was honored by the City of Byron on Saturday.
By Evelyn Adeyemi ·
Pastor Gary Cortese of Beacon Hill Assembly of God Church in Byron, Illinois, received a plaque from the city on Saturday, October 24, marking three decades of his leadership. The ceremony took place at the Byron Forest Preserve.
Mayor John Rickard presented the award to Cortese. The plaque recognizes his 30 years of ministry to the congregation and the surrounding Ogle County community. His wife, Valarie Cortese, attended the celebration with him.
Cortese has held a dual role for the past 30 years. In addition to leading his church, he serves as chaplain for the Byron Fire Department, the Byron Police Department, and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. These positions allowed him to provide spiritual guidance to first responders and their families during crises and celebrations.
A news release from the church described the event as a recognition of the lasting impact made by Cortese and his wife. The release noted that their commitment to both the church and the wider community defined their ministry over the last three decades.
Beacon Hill Assembly of God Church is located at 6467 N. German Church Road in Byron. The congregation continues its regular schedule following the special commemorative service.
Source: Shaw Local Lake County
