Several Cicero Volunteer Fire Department members and Cicero police officers were honored for their lifesaving efforts at an awards ceremony Saturday, Oct. 19.
Cicero Fire Chief Jon Barrett, along with Cicero Police Sergeant John Baldini and Officer James Snell, were honored for their efforts at the scene of a residential structure fire on Wynmoor Drive on Oct. 4, 2012. Five people were injured in the blaze, including one who suffered a life-threatening laceration to his arm. That victim was trapped on the second story of the home, and it was through the efforts of Barrett, Baldini and Snell that he was able to escape the fire.
According to Lisa Bolduc, Liberty Mutual began an award program more than 20 years ago to recognize firefighters who “best represent their communities through courageous acts that demonstrate a firefighter’s selfless spirit.”
Barrett was presented with the Liberty Mutual Fire Mark Award for his efforts at the Wynmoor Drive fire.
“In addition, we would also like to recognize Cicero Police Officer James Snell and Cicero Police Sgt. John Baldini for their heroism and immediate assistance that did save the lives of the injured,” Bolduc said. “Their courageous acts demonstrated selfless spirit.”
Baldini and Snell received Liberty Mutual’s Honorable Mentions for their efforts.
Saturday’s event also recognized those who helped save the life of Kurt Wossner, who suffered a cardiac arrest in February of 2013.
Wossner had suffered a heart attack the week before and was resting at home. His son, Thomas, was home from college caring for him and called 911 when he noticed his father’s erratic breathing. By the time emergency personnel arrived, Wossner, 55, was in full arrest, unconscious and not breathing. But through the efforts of the CFD and NAVAC personnel, including the use of a CFD defibrillator, Wossner was breathing again before being transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Wossner attended Saturday’s event and handed out Life Saving Awards pins to firefighter Dave Vivenzio, firefighter Mark Bedigan, Second Assistant Chief Ronald Barling, Debbie Eastwood on behalf of her father, Past Chief Leslie Eastwood, and Lt. Shawn Shippers.
“I would just like to say again, I really thank everyone that was involved,” Wossner said. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
Cicero Supervisor Jim Corl also read a legislative resolution honoring the members of the fire and police departments for their lifesaving efforts.
“I just want to express, on behalf of the town of Cicero, our gratitude for all of the Cicero Fire Department members and volunteers and the Cicero police force, which work greatly together for the benefit of our community,” Corl said. “When they’re working together, you can see the great benefits of saving lives.”
Corl presented each of the firefighters and police officers honored with a copy of the resolution.
Barrett said he was proud to head up the department, which has clocked at least two saves a year since 2007.
“I’m just happy to be here and say I’m the chief, and I know that these awards are going out because of the training and the dedication we put into this organization,” Barrett said.
