Safety Recognition of First Responders for Paramedic Call on July 7th
The following officers and firefighters were recognized by Mayor Ford at the July 16 Board of Trustees Meeting at Village Hall:
- Lieutenant Craig Gilsinger
- Firefighter Greg Dosch
- Firefighter Adam Walovitch
- Firefighter Mike Schalesky
- Firefighter Candidate Kevin Jacks
- Officer Brad Gutwillig
- Officer Dennis Sears
Letter from Trustee Jamerson
Chief Krueger and Chief Dayno,
As a resident of Riverwoods, I want you both to know how well the Fire District and the Police Department handled a paramedic call on Sunday afternoon on Juneberry Road. One of our neighbors, Corey Perdiew, was hit by a falling tree when he was walking his dog and his wife, Esmina, was frantic when she got to the scene. I happened to be coming down the street right when she arrived on the scene. Corey had been knocked to the side of the road by the tree and had lacerations on his head, was covered in blood, and was unable to move due to a broken kneecap. The Lieutenant that communicated with Esmina about what they were doing, what their next steps would be, and where they were taking him was compassionate and clear as he spoke to her. He eased her anxiety as much as possible. The rest of the crew was efficient and quick at their work. They showed how well they worked as a team. It was impressive to watch.
Officer Gutwillig was the first first responder on the scene and quickly assessed the situation. His presence was comforting to Esmina. Another officer arrived shortly after the paramedics and was there to assist if needed. Although Esmina was distraught, Officer Gutwillig was calm as he listened to her and that also helped to calm her.
As a Village Trustee, this situation gives me pride in knowing our first responders are so compassionate and well trained. They quickly assessed the situation, did what they needed to do at the scene, all while dealing with a spouse that was understandably upset. They then took Corey to Condell Hospital for treatment. It is obvious that our first responders are well trained and they have been well recruited by each department. The culture of any business, or in this case, fire and police personnel, comes from the top. Thank you both for being such good examples for your personnel.
Please extend my thanks to all those involved.
Rick Jamerson
Village Trustee
Thank you from the Perdiew Family
Chief Krueger and Chief Dayno,
Our family would like to extend gratitude to the Riverwoods first responders who came to our aid on Sunday after my husband was hit with a fallen tree. Rick was accurate in describing the incredibly stressful and anxious circumstances my kids and I faced when we found him helpless, bloodied and injured. The level of professionalism, compassion and care exhibited by the team will not be forgotten anytime soon by our family. We are incredibly lucky that the situation was not life threatening for our family and eternally thankful that our Village first responders were there to help us in our time of need. Please extend our gratitude to each of them and let them know how indispensable they are to our community.
Gratefully,
The Perdiew Family
