You won't find many police officers still working at age 54, let alone still working midnights on patrol. But not many law enforcement officers love being a cop as much as Bill Sommer does.
As a bored 15-year-old, he was coaxed into joining the Utica Fire Department as a cadet. In just over a decade, Ben Brown had soared up the ranks and was fire chief by age 26.
When Shauna Breckenridge, of rural Streator, was 12 years old, she was attending her cousin’s birthday party when tragedy struck – a man got his foot caught in a three-wheeler.
When Shauna Breckenridge, of rural Streator, was 12 years old, she was attending her cousin’s birthday party when tragedy struck – a man got his foot caught in a three-wheeler.
When Spring Valley Fire Chief Todd Bogatitus joined the cadet program at 16 years old he was deliberating his future career paths and was looking for a way to serve his community. Almost 40 years later, he remains as passionate and enthusiastic.
All it took was a flyer asking for volunteers and Wendy Louis of Putnam signed up to take an EMT class through Putnam County.
After coming home from serving in the military, St. Bede graduate Bryant Eustice was looking for a new direction. He found it in law enforcement. Eustice is not a La Salle County deputy/K-9 handler while continuing to coach football and baseball at his alma mater.
At age 8, Alex Doll was riding around the block on his bike when he lost his balance and fell off. A local police officer checked to see if he was alright. This seemingly small gesture left an impression.
Illinois Valley community members sent in thank you messages to area first responders. Read their heartfelt notes here.