Excerpts from sj-r.com:
Firefighters from across Illinois gathered in Springfield Tuesday to remember fallen firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Firefighters John “Mike” Cummins of the Homer Fire Protection District and Lawrence Matthews from the Village of Dolton Fire Department were honored for their heroic sacrifice during the 25th Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony. Their families were presented with the Duty Death Gold Badge by Fire Marshal Matt Perez.
Two firefighters were also presented with The Medal of Honor award during the ceremony. It’s the highest award given to firefighters by the state of Illinois. Lt. Eric Schrage from the Collinsville Fire Department and Paramedic Todd Zobrist from the Highland Fire Department/EMS were selected for demonstrating selflessness and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty.
Nine firefighters were honored with the Medal of Valor award. It is given by the state of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty. Recipients include:
• Capt. Daniel Whiteside, Alton Fire Department
• Firefighter Aaron Pihl, Belvidere Fire Department
• Lt. Shawn Schadle, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter Jeff Vaughan, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter Eric Claudio, Chicago Fire Department
• Lt./EMT John O’Brien, Chicago Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Hoff, Downers Grove Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Sohn, Downers Grove Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Quinn Triplett, Downers Grove Fire Department
Fourteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to the citizens of the state of Illinois. Recipients include:
• Firefighter Mark Beck, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter James Kriebs, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter Jason Swanson, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter Nicolas Thornton, Belvidere Fire Department
• Captain Mark Zumbragel, Belvidere Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Covelli, Downers Grove Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Schrader, Downers Grove Fire Department
• Paramedic Ty Barr, Highland Fire/EMS
• Firefighter Ben Bentley, Peru Fire Department
• Firefighter Alex Duncan, Peru Fire Department
• Lt. Neil Nadolski, Peru Fire Department
• Engineer Kris Ayers, Wood River Fire Department
• Engineer Bill Hall, Wood River Fire Department
• Firefighter Jamie Wells, Wood River Fire Department
In addition, six units received the Firefighter Excellence “Teamwork Unit Citation” Awards for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism in service to the citizens of the state of Illinois. Recipients include:
• Blue Island Fire Department
• Broadview Fire Department
• Chicago Heights Fire Department
• North Chicago Fire Department
• Orland Fire Protection District
• Pana Fire Department, which was recognized for its actions during a April 2, 2017, fire in the 800 block of East Second Street. The fire claimed the lives of two children, ages 2 years and 3 months. Fire officials said the cause of the April 2 blaze appeared to be electrical.
One firefighter received the Certificate of Recognition which acknowledges those nominated for their dedication to the principles and traditions of the fire service, to the state and the community, with honor and integrity.
• Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Buettner, Bolingbrook Fire Department
thanks Dan
