John Shea Receives John Fabick Community Service Award

Whether it is his building a home for ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" show, his acts of charitable giving or his watchful eye over Fenton's planning needs, everyone thinks John Shea exemplifies community service.

Shea was awarded the John Fabick Community Service Award Nov. 23 by the Fenton Board of Aldermen. Shea, chairman of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, credited family, friends and a good upbringing for the recognition of his charitable work.

The John Fabick Community Service Award recognizes someone in the Fenton community who represents the same dedication to his community as did the late John Fabick, founder of Fabick Tractor in Fenton, Mayor Dennis Hancock said.

Dozens of friends and family members surrounded Shea as he received the award and Shea said he wouldn't have been recognized without their help and support.

"Nobody gets this type of award without family and friends," Shea told the audience. "For all these folks who are here to help celebrate with me, they were also next to me when we did most of the things that I am being given this for tonight. From the Extreme Makeover we did to working with Kids Camp Living Well Center, all these folks were here alongside of me."

As president of Callier Thompson Shea, Shea was tabbed by ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" to build a safer home for Shrewsbury couple Emmanuel and Dawn Martirez. The couple has two sons who suffer from rare genetic conditions and their home was rebuilt to make it safer and more accessible for the children.

Shea, known as "Mr. Fix It" on radio station KTRS' "Inside Outside Show," also started a charitable foundation for kids with genetic diseases which he said was a result of his experience with the Martirez's.

"I take pride in this because of what our family values were when we were growing up, even without a dad," Shea said. "Our mother, who I'd like to say beat it into us but she didn't, just taught us well. It's my honor to have lived in Fenton since 1996. To be honored by the city for what we consider just helping people in the community is really special." 

Ward 2 Alderman Joe Maurath said Shea exemplifies community service.

"I think it's pretty evident by all his deeds that he has done, and he has never once looked for any kind of recognition," Maurath said. "It's more than appropriate to give the award to him."