 "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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