For a guy who never intended to stay at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for more than two years, Bill Cooke Sr. has certainly left his mark.

The popular, always smiling, long-time Head of the Physical Therapy Department at IMH has been honored by the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce as its Staff Achievement Award winner.

The ISAS Team at the Iroquois Sexual Assault Services was honored as this year’s Business Leadership Award winner. Kami Garrison and Tammy Barragree lead the charge in the Watseka office, a sister agency the Kankakee County – Center Against Sexual Assault. The non-profit rape crisis center provides support services and counseling for victims of sexual abuse and their families.

The official recognition came at Wednesday evening’s WACC Annual Banquet and Awards event at Celebrations.

Bill joined the IMH Physical Therapy Department in 1971, having stated he never intended to stay here for more than 2 years. Instead, he’s spent the majority of his professional career with the local hospital. He’s popular among the staff, known as “Bill Sr.” since his son, Bill Jr. is also part of the IMH Physical Therapy Department.

Bill Sr. has professional B.A. and a Master;s degrees from the U of I. He earned his Physical Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University. He has a special focus on home health and in-patient care.

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