Listen to Shad Boal's speech at the Grand View Baptist Church
Shad Boal has been a cornerstone of community service in Grand Terrace for over 23 years. As a dedicated father of four and small business owner of Boal Electric, Shad has spent 22 of those years immersed in volunteer work, contributing to a wide range of projects that have positively impacted his hometown. From leading Cub Scouts to organizing soccer programs and planting trees, Shad’s contributions have spanned multiple aspects of community life.
Throughout his involvement, Shad has shown leadership in organizing major events, such as the Terrace Community Youth Fall Festival and the Grand Terrace Community Day, a beloved local tradition that almost disappeared. When city officials hesitated to continue the event, it was Shad and other dedicated community members who stepped up. He recalls sitting next to the mayor, urging her to greenlight the event, demonstrating his commitment to community-driven solutions.
Shad’s efforts don’t stop at organizing events. He is deeply passionate about civic engagement, promoting the importance of emergency preparedness and community safety through his work with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He is actively working to rebuild and strengthen the CERT team after it disbanded due to the pandemic, emphasizing the need for a prepared and informed community. He has even invited residents to join a CERT meeting on October 16 at City Hall, signaling his dedication to increasing public participation.
In his call to action, Shad urges the residents of Grand Terrace to get involved:
- "Care about your community," Shad says. "I've always believed in and always said: prepare—prepare for tomorrow, for your future financially, and for emergencies. It’s not a matter of if an emergency happens; it’s when."
He challenges residents to not only know their neighbors but also to actively support each other in times of crisis. Furthermore, Shad highlights the importance of communication and keeping the community informed about local developments, encouraging residents to ask questions and share concerns with city officials. - "If you can’t make it to the meetings, we’ll do it for you. Just get us your questions."
Shad’s commitment extends beyond his current role, promising to continue his efforts even if he isn’t elected to the City Council. "Even if you don’t choose me, I’ll still be at the meetings, still sharing information and asking questions for you," he says, showing his unwavering dedication to the betterment of Grand Terrace.
In a time of rapid development and change, Shad Boal stands as a steadfast advocate for the values of community involvement, preparedness, and communication. His decades-long service highlights the difference one person can make, and his rallying cry for action serves as a reminder to all: get involved, stay informed, and work together to make Grand Terrace a better place for future generations.