 "The brave men and women being honored today have shown an
incredible amount of courage and devotion," Quinn said. "We are
eternally grateful for the firefighters throughout the state (who)
act with valor and willingly put their lives at risk every day to
ensure the people of Illinois are safe."
Four firefighters who died in, or as a result of, the performance
of duty were honored during the ceremonies as their families were
presented with the Duty Death Gold Badge by Matkaitis. Those
recognized were the late Herbert Johnson, a captain with the Chicago
Fire Department; the late Walter Patmon Jr., a firefighter with the
Chicago Fire Department; the late John C. "Winky" Winkelman from the
Huntley Fire Protection District; and the late Timothy P. Jansen, a
firefighter with the Santa Fe Fire Protection District.
"The four firefighters we lost last year demonstrate the ultimate
sacrifice made for the lives of others," Matkaitis said. "Every
single day, these men and women exhibit acts of bravery and put
their lives on the line to protect us. Today, I am very proud to
thank each firefighter for your dedication to public safety."
Thirteen 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 are:
-
Incident 12-998,
Alton Fire Department
-
Firefighter John
Bolling, Alton Fire Department
-
Capt. Matthew
Williams, Alton Fire Department
-
Lt./EMT John Silva,
Chicago Fire Department
-
Capt. Robert
Morgan, Edwardsville Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Schonlau, Edwardsville Fire
Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Tanner Sweetman, Edwardsville Fire
Department
-
Incident 12-8185,
Waukegan Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Tom Clasen, Waukegan Fire Department
-
Lt. Laura Hedien,
Waukegan Fire Department
-
Lt. Jack Long,
Waukegan Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Neal Olson, Waukegan Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Repec,
Waukegan Fire Department
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Four firefighters were recognized for
acts of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and
dedication in the face of danger. Medal of Valor award recipients
are:
-
Lt./EMT John
Manchester, Chicago Fire Department
-
Lt./EMT Martin
Nolan, Chicago Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Dustin Rynders, Waukegan Fire Department
-
Firefighter/Paramedic Rick VanHorn,
Waukegan Fire Department
The Medal of Honor award, the highest
award given to firefighters by the state of Illinois, was presented
to six firefighters who were selected for their acts of outstanding
bravery or heroism, by which they demonstrated selflessness and
personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse
conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk.
Recipients are:
-
Firefighter/EMT
James Doyle, Chicago Fire Department
-
Firefighter/EMT
Larrence McCormack, Chicago Fire Department
-
Fire Paramedic
Sergio Moreno, Chicago Fire Department
-
Firefighter Michael
Piccolo, Chicago Fire Department
-
Paramedic in Charge
John Wodzisz, Chicago Fire Department
-
Lt. John Batusich, Lockport fire
Protection District
The awards presented Thursday recognized heroic actions during
2012. Nominations were reviewed and winners selected by the
10-member Illinois Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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