First responders from across Sen. Neil Anderson’s Senate District were honored and thanked for acts of bravery during his First Responders Appreciation Breakfast and Ceremony at the Candlelight Inn in Sterling and Theo’s Java Club in Rock Island on Oct. 26.
Anderson, also a Moline Firefighter, spoke about the heroic actions of several individuals and departments from the area at both events, sharing stories of acts of bravery. He then presented State of Illinois Certificates of Recognition to individuals and departments for “going above and beyond the call of duty.”
“Anytime there is danger, your first response is to get away, but not for first responders,” Anderson said. “Their everyday acts of selflessness and courage – not knowing if they will return to their family after their shift – deserve honor and praise. While this ceremony is specifically highlighting those who exemplified fortitude in the highest regard, it’s also a time to say ‘thank you’ to all the special men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and serve and protect our communities.”
The ceremonies included local firefighters, police officers, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Some Chiefs from area departments also nominated individuals for special recognition. Those include:
Sterling Fire Department
Nominations by Chief Gary Cook
- Deputy Chief Michael Dettman
- Captain Matthew Laughlin
- Tim Wright
- Firefighters: Cory Bianchi, Adrian Avelar, Clark Liedberg, Derek Sheaves
- Dispatchers: Twin Com, Stacie McKenzie
- Medics: Chad Hartman, Kyle Pletsch
- Second Ambulance: Randy Scott, Jason Schneider
Nov. 8, 2016:
Crews helped rescue an individual after a power line accident at Circle K in Sterling. Because the individual was right below low hanging power lines, in extreme pain from burns, crews used pile poles to hook onto the man’s belt to drag him from under the wires. Life saving measures were then administered to the individual while he was being trauma packaged, where he was airlifted to a hospital in Rockford.
Rock Falls Police Department
Nomination by Chief Tammy Nelson
- Sergeant Jon Cater
Dec. 20, 2017:
Sgt. Jon Cater helped save a man from a burning house. A 10 year veteran of the Rock falls police Department, on Dec. 20, 2017, Sgt. Cater was dispatched to a house in Rock Falls that was fully engulfed. Upon arrival, family members were trapped inside. Sgt. Cater went to the west side of the house and observed two hands reaching up from a basement window. Sgt. Cater proceeded to kick out the basement window and then dragged the male subject to safety. Other members of the house were reached by other bystanders at the scene and no one perished in the fire.
Last year, the U.S. Senate passed legislation recognizing Oct. 28 as National First Responders Day.
