HPFD State Recognition

On Tuesday, May 9, Governor JB Pritzker and State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera honored the heroism of Illinois firefighters at a ceremony in Springfield, where 38 members of the Highland Park Fire Department were recognized for their bravery, dedication, and professionalism in service. State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Bob Morgan were also in attendance at the ceremony.

21 members were honored with the Medal of Valor Award. The award is given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty:

Fire Chief Joseph Schrage

Deputy Fire Chief Frank Nardomarino

Lieutenant John Brens

Lieutenant Paul Grzybek

Lieutenant Albert Lopez

Lieutenant Erik Mocogni

Lieutenant Eloy Salazar

Firefighter Kevin Best

Firefighter Peter Caruso

Firefighter Peter Goss

Firefighter Christopher Gottschalk

Firefighter Brian McDonald

Firefighter Michael Miniscalco

Firefighter Trevor Mount

Firefighter Beneiamin Oros

Firefighter Michael Pacocha

Firefighter Michael Schmidt

Firefighter Andrew Seibel

Firefighter Micah Swislow

Firefighter Peter Tameling

Firefighter Nicholas Traske

17 members received the Firefighter Excellence Award for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to their fellow Illinoisans:

Battalion Chief William Brennan

Battalion Chief Ryan Hughes

Lieutenant Kevin Maslon

Lieutenant Matthew Stanley

Lieutenant Griffin Van Black

Firefighter Nathan Abbott

Firefighter Richard DiSalvo

Firefighter Jacob Emmerson

Firefighter Brian Fabbri

Firefighter Jacob Flosi

Firefighter Matthew Grasso

Firefighter Kevin Lavazza

Firefighter Michele Molini

Firefighter Thomas Richards

Firefighter Michael Shimanski

Firefighter Steven Urban

Firefighter Jeffrey Wilmot

Congratulations to all of the Highland Park firefighters who were honored for their selflessness, courage, and service to our community following the Highland Park shooting. The City is grateful for your service.