Service to
Others By Matthew Karges ‘06
Doing what is right by your neighbor can never be wrong. Service to others will always be right and is just what Mater Dei has also stood for as one of its fundamental pillars ever since opening its doors in 1949. The school has always put faith, academics, social involvement, and service to others at the beginning pages of its history book, guiding students that graduate from here for generations in doing what is good and best for the community. The commitment of teachers, coaches, and clergy to this school has undoubtedly helped bring out the best in some and sometimes unknowingly built the traits for others to become public servants—an honor that has a reward in the service. Mater Dei has etched the motto “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve” into young minds for generations. Over the 70 years this school has been blessed, it has blessed the community with numerous everyday heroes who have chosen to dedicate their lives to giving back to others—simply because it’s what is right. Just as service to others is a fundamental pillar at Mater Dei, so is public safety to society. Without it, there is no public prosperity—which we can all agree is of utmost importance to a quality community. As a Mater Dei graduate (‘06) myself, I gained a lot of guidance that I likely wouldn’t have received elsewhere. The entire staff taught respect, discipline, keeping the faith and didn’t cut corners in learning from my experience. Some of them may recall I wasn’t the easiest to instill these things in, but I can tell you today it stuck
with and helped make me the person I am today. Although I was likely brainwashed in becoming a police officer from an early age growing up in a family of cops—I still value all things public safety for all the right reasons. I truly believe in being a part of something bigger than one’s self. I believe society still has its admiration for those who wear a badge that represents them all and protects them all. Because of this, I reached out to Mater Dei and we felt it important to share the stories of Mater Dei graduates who also wear a badge or hat in public safety. Mater Dei students, family, and alumni alike can see some of the graduates who went forth to serve after graduation. Everyone in the MD family can get an insight into what it’s like serving in public safety and how the school has helped develop those who do. Thank you to everyone that works in the public safety field and as a first responder—it’s never wrong, doing what is right. Daryl Adler ’90 Evansville Fire Department (EFD) Daryl Adler graduated from Mater Dei in 1990, giving praise to the teachers, staff, coaches, and peers for preparing him for his future. He played college baseball and received a degree in education from the University of Southern Indiana. In 2006, Daryl joined the Evansville Fire Department. Growing up like many kids admiring the police and fire shows of the ‘70s, he also admired the Job but says that he didn’t take it further until God opened
Daryl Adler ‘90
a door for him. He’s now getting to live his dream by being a firefighter— something that is a dream of many kids for every generation. A firefighter is a highly trained professional in navigating burning structures to save a life, the ones to keep properties from overwhelming an area with more destruction, and a first responder to anyone hurt and asking for help. They train continuously their entire career to help others and with the mindset that they’ll sacrifice themselves to ensure others always have a chance when asking for help. Being a firefighter is a fulfilling job and building a family with those you work around. Daryl’s co-workers at his station house are family since they share these values and know they can rely on each other just the same when doing their job. In 2016 Daryl was recognized by the city and awarded Firefighter of the Year for his achievements on duty and volunteer work off duty. He’s a member of the department’s Honor Guard—which is a unit that represents the department at funerals, memorials, ceremonies, and other public events. He’s also a member of the peer support team which assists other firefighters and families with support in various times of need or tragedy. Being a firefighter has given Daryl a life of gratitude for being a husband and father as well. He is fulfilled leading a servant lifestyle and states: “Love our neighbors as ourselves”.
