Westmont, Illinois – Date Issued: March 10, 2023
At the Fire Public Safety Committee meeting on Thursday, March 9, Fire Chief Steve Riley recognized Fire Department personnel for their excellent service. There were several awards presented including Team Commendation Awards, Life Saving Awards, and the Firefighter of the Year Award.
Team Commendation Awards were presented to Battalion Chief Joe Kielczynski and Firefighter Jose Ramos for their quick response to a shooting incident that occurred at Hilton in Westmont on November 15, 2022. Regarding the same incident, four individuals received Life Saving Awards including Fire Medic Ryan Sulzen, Lieutenant Burton Chaet, Fire Medic Cody Whelton, and Fire Medic Darren Files. The quick actions of our Westmont Paramedics, along with members of the Police Department, saved the individual’s life.
Five Fire Department members were presented with a Team Commendation Award in regard to a fire that occurred at 56 West Pier Drive on March 23, 2022. Fire Medic Andrew Busche, Fire Medic Katie Jansen, Lieutenant Ed Gergits, Firefighter Corey Olson, Fire Chief Steve Riley, and Captain Rich Zasada were able to rescue a victim from the fire during the incident. Unfortunately, the victim died a few days later from his injuries.
Battalion Chief Arnold Nolan, Fire Medic Andrew Busche, Firefighter Josh Maly, Fire Medic Eric Rasmussen and Fire Medic Cody Whelton for an Emergency Medical Services received Team Commendation Awards regarding a call that occurred on August 8, 2022 in which a resident was having trouble breathing. Upon arrival, the crew quickly administered specific medications that saved this individual's life.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chief Riley presented the Westmont Firefighter Of The Year Award to Battalion Chief Joseph Kielczynski. Joseph has been with the Westmont Fire Department since 1994, serving first as a Firefighter, then Lieutenant, then Captain and now Battalion Chief.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients for their service and dedication to the community. Photos from the ceremony have been published in the Photo Gallery of the Village of Westmont website.
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