Chicago firefighters awarded medals of valor

By LGIS Newsfeed

May 9, 2018

Two Chicago firefighters received awards during an annual awards ceremony and memorial in Springfield.

Firefighter Eric Claudio and Lieutenant/EMT John O’Brien, both of the Chicago Fire Department, were among nine firefighters to receive the Medal of Valor, which is awarded for “an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty,” according to an Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal news release.

The ceremony also recognized the families of two firefighters who died in the line of duty. State Fire Marshal Matt Perez presented the Duty Death Gold Badge to the families of John “Mike” Cummins of the Homer Fire Protection District and Lawrence Matthews from the Village of Dolton Fire Department.

Firefighters from all around Illinois attended the 25th Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony, honoring individuals for actions performed in 2017.

In addition to the Medal of Valor recipients, two firefighters received the Medal of Honor – the highest recognition for selfless and courageous acts "above and beyond the call of duty" – and 14 received the Firefighter Excellence Award, which recognizes acts of service.

Six fire units were awarded Firefighter Excellence "Teamwork Unit Citation" Awards for acts of service and teamwork. One firefighter received recognition for dedication to the fire service.

Award recipients

Medal of Honor:

Lt. Eric Schrage, Collinsville Fire Department

Paramedic Todd Zobrist, Highland Fire/EMS

Medal of Valor:

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