Today's edition of the Daily American brings another installment of Know Your Neighbor to your doorstep. Intended as a 'behind the scenes' look into what makes living in West Frankfort so special for its residents, 'Know Your Neighbor' seeks to gain insight into the lives of those residents who might not make headlines each and every day, but whose faces are very familiar around town and whose activities influence our day-to-day lives. Whether it's your postal carrier, a secretary at one of our local schools or the man or woman who serves you your breakfast every morning, it's time to get to know your neighbors a little bit better.
This week the Daily American sits down for a chat with West Frankfort firefighter Jon Webb, one of the department's newer members.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

A: I'm 25 years old and I work full time at the West Frankfort Fire Department. I've been on for three and half years and I've been on full time for almost one year. I've lived in West Frankfort for 22 years, my mom is the first grade teacher at St. John's and I have two sisters.

Q: What is your favorite thing about West Frankfort?
A: It's not too large a city and I don't' have to deal with all the traffic and waiting in lines all the time.

Q: Your least favorite thing?

A: There's hardly anything to do here at all.

Q: Who are your favorite neighbors and why?

A: My favorite neighbors would have to be Bert and Joe Dziadus for all the times they have put up with me. They also fed me lunch every day throughout my entire high school career.

Q: What qualities make for a good neighbor?

A: The best neighbors are the ones who will do something for you without you even asking, knowing that you'll return the favor in some way when you can.

Q: Did you parents or grandparents every tell you about West Frankfort in the “old days?” What memories of the past do you have?

A: My parents and grandparents didn't live in West Frankfort, but one of my favorite past memories would be me, (Matt) Dziadus, (Matt) Morthland and (Gabe) Tippy always making Tim Murphy mad come October because of 'teepeeing' him all the time.

Q: Do you think people should try to shop in West Frankfort when they can?

A: Yes. I think they should shop in town whenever they can because it will help the businesses here stay open.

Q: Do you ever volunteer for civic duty or public service? What do you do with your 'extra' time and energy?

A: No, I've never volunteered my time to anything other than the fire department. But if I were going to I would help out with sports in any age group.

Q: If you ruled West Frankfort what would your first moves be?

A: I would probably try and get a Bass Pro Shop so I don't have to drive  two hours away just to go get something that would only take me ten minutes to get... if we had a Bass Pro Shop in town.
 
Q: What do you miss most about West Frankfort when you're away?

A: Home.

Q: Favorite Redbird sports team or athlete?

A: I mostly follow Redbird basketball. My favorite athlete would have to be Jason Patton.

Q:  Cardinals or Cubs? Why?

A: Cubs. I've always watched them with my grandpa Reckinger.

Q: Favorite musical group/artist?

A: I don't really have a favorite music group. I pretty much listen to whatever.

Q:  Last good book you read?

A: ESPN The Magazine. I don't think that technically qualifies as a book, but it was good!