Richton Park emergency workers honored

Officials recently awarded Unit Citations to members of the Richton Park Fire and Police departments for their lifesaving actions.

Fire Department Capt. Ron Robinson, Lt. Pat Hisel and firefighter/paramedic Alysa Fox were recognized for their work after responding to a Sept. 14 crash on Interstate 57 in which a vehicle knocked over a light pole. Despite the car carrying a live electrical current, the responders successfully extricated the four occupants, who then were safely taken to hospitals.

Capt. Bill Kennedy and firefighters Missy Reposa, Bill Novak, Raven Powel and Anthony Edwards were honored after an Oct. 24 dispatch for a gunshot victim near Sauk School in Richton Park. A woman who had been shot in the stomach needed surgery as soon as possible, and the crew’s efforts ultimately saved her life, according to a news release.

Fire Department Capt. Ron Robinson and firefighters Doug Pepe and Eric Wiley Sr., along with Richton Park police Officers Christina Warren, Joseph Sanders, Kristopher Jones and William Shaw, received Unit Citations for their efforts after a catastrophic vehicle crash Oct. 30 in the 22400 block of Lawndale Avenue in which two people died. “Our first responders performed exemplary under extremely stressful situations, and showed compassion, empathy and concern for the victims and residents on scene as well as each other,” the village news release stated.

“Firefighters often perform well, never expecting recognition because it’s their job,” said Richton Park Fire Chief Mick Smith. “But as thankless as this job can be, I think it’s important to let our men and women know that they are outstanding and appreciated for what they do.”