Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch is being honored as the “Fire of the Year” by Comcast SportsNet at the 22nd annual Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards at the Hilton Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 11. Busch, an ENY ODP graduate, was born in Queens and was a standout goalkeeper at Guilderland High School.

Busch’s off the field work has been as important as his on-field play. The eight-year MLS veteran and backbone of the Fire defense volunteers his time supporting the Special Olympics of Illinois and is a frequent contributor to the Chicago Fire Foundation, the Fire’s charitable arm dedicated to enriching the quality of life of the Chicagoland community, particularly its youth. To date the Chicago Fire foundation has donated more than $1.3 million in grants and contributions to the Chicagoland community. Busch also works closely with Teammates for Kids, a non-profit organization founded by Garth Brooks that exists to develop and implement innovative concepts that generate funds for the benefit of children’s charities. During Busch’s time with the Columbus Crew he worked closely with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients, an organization that has raised more than $10 million since its founding in 1994.

Since first stepping into the starting role in 2008, Busch has been one of the league’s top goalkeepers. In 2008 he led the league in shutouts (10), was tied for second in wins (13) and second in goals against average (1.10) while earning the MLS goalkeeper of the year award. Busch returned for an equally impressive 2009. The 33-year-old started and played every minute (2,700) of all 30 regular-season matches, recording 10 shutouts, 103 saves and 1.13 GAA while leading the Fire to second place in the Eastern Conference. Busch’s shutouts tied for second in the league with Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Houston Dynamo keeper Pat Onstad.

Busch joins a number of Chicago’s pro athletes who have been valuable contributors within the city’s sporting community. Along with Busch, this year’s honorees include John Salmons (Bulls), Ryan Dempster (Cubs), A.J. Pierzynski (White Sox), Alex Brown (Bears) and Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks). Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox legend and future Hall of Famer is this year’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” recipient. This year’s “Farmers Insurance Inspirational Athlete” award winner is 19-year-old Maribel