About Us
Freeman Environmental Services Inc. has been doing business in the Tri-State area for approximately ten years. Freeman's basic mission is to afford the people and businesses in the area and experienced hazardous material company that can offer them a more cost effective, efficient and timely approach to their environmental needs.
Founder of Freeman Environmental Services, Inc., Mr. Paul Freeman has worked in the environmental field since 1977 where as an Illinois State Trooper; he worked as a hazardous materials officer having received extensive training in all fields of hazardous materials. After retiring from the Illinois State Police, he started a second career in the hazardous materials industry. He was employed by Central States Environmental services as a project manager and traveled across the country in this capacity. In 1996, he joined forces with his son Derek Freeman, and Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. was born. Paul works closely with the staff of Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. lending his experience and expertise to achieve client objectives. Paul is an avid quail hunter and enjoys fishing as often as possible.
Derek Freeman, President of Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. Derek is a working manager and is active in the day-to-day aspects of the running of Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. Derek is licensed by the State of Illinois as an Asbestos Inspector, Asbestos Abatement Supervisor, Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor and Lead Abatement Supervisor, an OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer, he is certified as an 40 hour Hazardous Materials Site Operator and has received 80 hour Hazardous Emergency Response Training. Derek has completed training in Radon Measurement. Derek is a member of Operators Local 318. Derek is committed to quality service and workmanship. Derek is a devoted father to three children, the twins, son Nick and Daughter Darrian and his youngest daughter Lauren.
Shawn Freemen, Corporate Secretary for Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. Shawn is licensed by the State of Illinois as an Asbestos Abatement Contractor/Supervisor, a Lead Abatement Supervisor, as well as having an ASHI and NAHI approved certification as a Microbial Specialist (Mold Inspector / Remediator) and he has received 80 hour Hazardous Emergency Response training. Shawn is certified with the International Code Council as an Underground Storage Tank Decommissioning Technician. Shawn is a member of Laborers Local 773. Shawn has recently gotten married and is enjoying life as a newlywed.
William Bruce Talley, retired from AmerenCIPS in 2001. Bruce has been Fire Chief for the City of Carterville since 1999, as well as an Emergency Medical Technician. He works on a part time (as needed basis) with Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. as a Hazardous Materials Technician. Bruce has received training in first aid, advanced CPR, excavation, OSHA substation training, emergency response to terrorism, explosives training, lead abatement and has trained and worked with Illinois State Police, Secretary of State, and hold a degree in Engineering Technology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Bruce enjoys scuba diving, sailing and amateur radio.
Phil Jeralds, retired from the Illinois State Police, works as an Environmental Consultant Manager for Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. Phil is licensed by the State of Illinois as an Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor and a Lead Abatement Supervisor. He has received training in Mold Remediation, has been certified in 40 hour Hazwopper training to respond as a Hazardous Materials Technician for emergency responses and methamphetamine lab clean-ups. Phil enjoys camping with his wife, Cheryl, NASCAR racing and his horses.
Mr. John Fisher, has been a chemistry professor at Rend Lake College for over 20 years. He helped in the development of an award winning environmental science project with Ewing Northern Grade School. This project involved the IEPA, Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies. Rend Lake was used as a "living laboratory" for the water tests conducted. He has also been responsible for securing numerous grants, developing research projects, and serving as a consultant for Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. on numerous projects.
Robert (Bob) Pippins, retired in 2002 from Illinois Emergency Management Agency where he served as Regional Coordinator since 1984. Bob received his hazwopper, all five levels of haz-mat response, supervisors and health and safety officer from the University of Illinois at Champaign and he holds a B.S./ from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Bob has accumulated several certifications in the emergency response/environmental fields. He trains local police, fire, medical and response personnel in areas of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Bob works with Freeman Environmental Services, inc. as a consultant, hazmat project manager and trainer.
Dr. Billy Fairless, retired in 2004 as Associate Professor of Chemistry, SIU, Carbondale, IL. Billy earned a BA in Chemistry from SIUC in 1963, an MS in Biophysics from the University of Houston in 1967, a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Houston in 1968 and his post graduate research in Chemistry from Princeton University in 1967-68. Billy retired from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1999. Billy has many accomplishments and experiences in the environment field and has received many awards and has several publications. Freeman Environmental Services, Inc. will be utilizing Dr. Billy Fairless as a consultant and project manager.