Illinois Governor Honors Efforts of State’s Heroic Firefighters

Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois State Fire Marshall James A. Rivera honored more than 50 firefighters across the state for their heroic efforts earlier this week.

According to the press release from the Governor's office, the awards were handed out at the 30th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.

The event was a spotlight on the selfless job firefighters do when Governor Pritzer said they "respond to our most daunting emergencies with resolve and selflessness—mitigating disaster, reuniting families, and saving countless lives while putting themselves in harm’s way."

During the evening there were presentations for the Firefighter Excellence Award, Firefighter Excellence ‘Unit Citation’ Award, State Fire Marshal Life Safety Award, Medal of Honor, and Medal of Valor.

Firefighters serve their communities with pride, honor and loyalty and share a deep bond with their brothers and sisters they serve next to. This memorial stands as a reminder that we shall never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice doing what they loved while selflessly helping those in need. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera.

The highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter is the Medal of Honor for "an act of outstanding bravery or heroism." The six recipients of this award were:

• Engineer/Driver Ryan Mahoney, Belleville Fire Department
• Probationary Firefighter Alexander Kuhl, Belleville Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Haemker, Bradley Fire Department
• Firefighter Jason Warner, Collinsville Fire Department
• Firefighter/EMT Juan Gonzalez, Chicago Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Mullins, Plainfield Fire Protection District

The Medal of Valor award is given to firefighters for "an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger." The 23 firefighters who received this recognition are:

• Engineer John Eachus, Belleville Fire Department
• Battalion Chief Dan Wagner, Elgin Fire Department
• Fire Chief Joseph Schrage, Highland Park Fire Department
• Deputy Fire Chief Frank Nardomarino, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant John Brens, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Paul Grzybek, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Albert Lopez, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Erik Mocogni, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Eloy Salazar, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Kevin Best, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Peter Caruso, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Peter Goss, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Christopher Gottschalk, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Brian McDonald, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Michael Miniscalco, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Trevor Mount, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Beneiamin Oros, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Michael Pacocha, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Michael Schmidt, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Andrew Seibel, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Micah Swislow, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Peter Tameling, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Nicholas Traske, Highland Park Fire Department

The Firefighter Excellence Award was presented to 23 firefighters for "an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to their fellow Illinoisans."

• Captain Joseph Garland, Belleville Fire Department
• Probationary Firefighter Michael Schwent, Belleville Fire Department
• Firefighter John McClement, Blue Island Fire Department
• Firefighter Anthony Parillo, Blue Island Fire Department
• Battalion Chief William Brennan, Highland Park Fire Department
• Battalion Chief Ryan Hughes, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Kevin Maslon, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Matthew Stanley, Highland Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Griffin Van Black, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Nathan Abbott, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Richard DiSalvo, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Jacob Emmerson, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Brian Fabbri, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Jacob Flosi, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Matthew Grasso, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Kevin Lavazza, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Michele Molini, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Thomas Richards, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Michael Shimanski, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Steven Urban, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Jeffrey Wilmot, Highland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Ortiz, Huntly Fire Protection District
• Assistant Chief Raymond Scott, Sesser Fire Protection District

The Firefighter Excellence "Unit Citation" Award went to 2 units, the Blue Island Fire Department and the Plainfield Fire Protection District for "an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism in service to Illinois residents."

3 individuals were honored with the State Fire Marshal Life Safety Award which is presented for "extraordinary efforts performed by individuals in furtherance of fire prevention and life safety."

• Matt Hedges, Woodstock Fire Rescue District
• Tom Andryk, OFSM Personnel- Administration
• Tom Manis, OSFM Personnel- Operations

CLICK HERE to see the complete press release and list of winners.