Marseilles ESDA Board Director Nathan Schaefer resigns

Lifelong Marseilles resident Nathan Schaefer announced Wednesday that he is stepping down as Emergency Services and Disaster Agency board director, effective immediately.

The purpose of ESDA is to mitigate potential hazards, plan for, coordinate, respond to and aid in recovery from all disaster situations, whether natural or man-made.

The team is entirely made up of volunteers. Marseilles has 10 individuals so far and will be recruiting others.

All members are certified in CPR, the use of automated external defibrillators and first aid, with a majority having full Community Emergency Response Team training complete, as well as weather spotting and tornado hazards, among others.

Schaefer previously served as the streets and improvements commissioner on the Marseilles City Council for four years. He works at Marseilles Elementary as a maintenance worker.

Schaefer, along with his wife Claudia, has been a pivotal figure in the ESDA, dedicating countless hours since the couple joined the organization in 2013 after the flood.

A seasoned first responder, Schaefer had been involved in various volunteer initiatives in Marseilles, including CERT, the MAC board and as a commissioner.

During the meeting, he spoke about the personal sacrifices his family has made, from hours spent away from his children to the financial resources spent supporting ESDA.

Schaefer named Jeff Lytle, the assistant director, as the interim leader until city officials appoint a new director.