Police/fire personnel applauded by council
Life-saving measures get council's attention
PRINCETON — Members of the Princeton Police and Fire departments have been recognized for their exemplary service to the Bureau County community.
At Monday's meeting of the Princeton City Council, Police Chief Tom Root and Deputy Fire Chief John Petrakis commended Princeton Police officers Kerry Boehle and Daniel Jaeger for their quick mutual aid response on April 10 to a Walnut residence, where they found a collapsed male.
Petrakis said the officers performed CPR on the victim and applied an automated external defibrillator, delivering two shocks. Upon their arrival at the scene, Princeton Fire Department Lt. Chuck Woolley, EMT Mark Cain, and Firefighter/EMT Brian Carrington began advanced resuscitation efforts on the victim and transported him to Perry Memorial Hospital. The man was airlifted to Peoria and was discharged 36 hours later from the St. Francis Medical Center.
"These five individuals are being recognized for their competent level of training, their swift action and team work," Petrakis said. "It is our opinion that the outcome would have been different if it were not for the collaborative efforts of these men."
Root also commended Sgt. Scott Underwood and Sgt. Lon Merkley for their efforts in helping two separate overdose victims.
In January 2008, Underwood assisted EMS personnel at an overdose situation in Princeton. Underwood performed CPR on the male victim until the youth had an established pulse, and EMS personnel could transport the victim to the hospital. As the result of Underwood's actions, the young man is alive today, Root said.
In February 2008, Merkley was called to assist at an overdose scene involving a 20-year-old female. Merkley began CPR on the victim and was able to establish breathing in her. Upon the arrival of EMS personnel, the victim was transported to Perry Memorial. Merkley's actions saved the life of that young woman, Root said.
Both Root and Petrakis also spoke about the high level of cooperation between the two departments and the high level of training and professionalism of the officers and emergency personnel.
Petrakis also announced Lt. Justin Walters has become one of 36 Master Fire Apparatus Technicians certified in Illinois. Petrakis also announced Firefighter/EMTI Ryan Molln has completed his entry level training at the Illinois Fire Academy, graduating in April.
On behalf of the city council, In the absence of Princeton Mayor Keith Cain, Commissioner Bob Warren congratulated all the Princeton officers and emergency personnel for their commitment and service to the community.