Lisle-Woodridge FD Announces Fire Prevention Week Awards

The following is a press release from the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District:

On Thursday, October 10, 2013, the annual Awards Ceremony was held to honor those who went “above and beyond” to serve the citizens of the fire district. “Our personnel do not necessarily like to given awards, but we think it is important that they are honored for their efforts; this year was especially important because of the natural disaster, in the form of a major flood, that created multiple types of emergencies, some we had not previously encountered ” said Fire Chief Tom Freeman. 

Awards were given in several categories, both to individuals, Fire Companies and civilians as follows:

2013 Fire Fighter of the Year – Captain Carl DeLeo 

A twenty four and a half (24 ½) year veteran of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, Captain Carl DeLeo has had the well deserved honor of being named the 2013 Fire Fighter of the Year. Captain DeLeo is very passionate about the fire service and particularly fire investigations. He is considered a tremendous resource for fire district personnel and has provided his department, along with many other firefighters throughout the Country, insights to the importance of fire behavior.

Company Citations 

Lieutenant Tim Capua, Firefighter I Pete Olson and Fire Medic 1 Kevin Crean  from Truck Company 53 along with Fire Medic I Bill Kelly and Fire Medic 1 Tom Martino from Medic 51 were honored for a full arrest in April.

Fire Medic I Annette Zapp, Firefighter I Eric Tomaskovic and Fire Medic 1 Neil Berkowitz from Engine Company 54 and Fire Medic I Jim Loehman and Fire Medic I Mike Sharp from Medic 55 and were honored for a call for a patient involved in a major motorcycle accident with trauma in June.

Lieutenant Larry Munch, Firefighter I Pete Olson and Fire Medic 1 Joe Plencner from Engine Company 55 and Fire Medic I Scott Wezalis and Fire Medic I Matt Mieszala from Medic 55 and were honored for a call that involved a patient who experienced a cardiac arrest in September.

Award of Civilian Exemplary Action

Eric Smith and Betty Jarosz were recognized for their efforts on a local roadway where a vehicle was traveling at a low speed with a driver who was driving erratically; they were able to run along-side the vehicle, unlock the door and put it in park. They then stayed with the patient until assistance arrived. 

Pam Curtain and Jane Most were also recognized for assisting a patient at the Morton Arboretum who was in distress; they also provided directions to their location while attending to the small child on the scene. 

Finally, Pastor Lupole of the Lisle Bible Church was recognized for his efforts of assisting others in their time of need during the flood of April. Several residents made their way to the church where the Pastor provided food, drinks and a place of shelter. 

Award of Recognition

Several members of the fire district were recognized for their extraordinary efforts during the April floods.

Years of Service 

5 Years of Service

FM1 , Jim Loehman, FM1 Josh Meseth and FM1 Neil Berkowitz.

10 Years of Service 

FM1 Tim Bronowicz, FM1 Bill Kelly, FM1 Kevin Crean, and FM1 Luke Peterson.

15 Years of Service

FFI Chris Bradley, FF1 John Kleronomos, FM1 Brian Sleigher, FF1 Jay Richardson. 

20 Years of Service

Bureau Chief Scott Spinazola, Captain Doug Mulford, Captain Dave Zinther, Lieutenant Bob Spickerman, Maintenance Director Rodney Homerding, FF1 Dave Fazio, FF1 Kevin Geldean, FF1 Tim Griffin, FF1 Steve Mast, FF1 Karl Sitarz, FF1 Jim Slater, FM1 Joe Pawlisz, FM1 Bob Haltom, FM1 Joe Matczyk, and FM1 Lee Schoenhofen. 

25 Years of Service 

Bureau Chief Jim French, Bureau Chief Doug Skotnicki, Captain Patrick Reynolds, Lieutenant Ed Crews, Lieutenant Steve Jansen, Lieutenant Dave Kowalski, FF1 Fred Mitchell, FM1 Wade Portner.