State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) met with members of the Rural Pope County EMS and the Rural Pope County Fire Protection District at the Illinois State Capitol on May 13 to congratulate them for receiving a Certificate of Recognition during the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony.
The Certificate of Recognition is awarded to individuals and units nominated for their dedication to the principles and traditions of the fire service, to the state and their communities, performed with honor and integrity.
The Pope County teams were honored for their lifesaving response to a medical emergency on June 2, 2024. On that day, first responders were called to assist Darrin and Laurie Barton, who were on a boat when Darrin suffered a severe heart attack, which was later diagnosed as a “widowmaker.” Firefighters and EMTs worked together to remove Mr. Barton from the boat, transfer him to an ambulance, and begin critical care as he went into full cardiac arrest. Their swift and skillful response helped stabilize him and ultimately saved his life.
Senator Fowler met with the group before the ceremony and praised them for their exceptional service.
“The heroics and teamwork shown by the Pope County EMS and Fire Protection District are a testament to the kind of commitment we see every day from first responders in Southern Illinois,” said Senator Fowler. “It was an honor to welcome them to the Capitol and personally thank them for their courage and compassion. Their recognition is well-deserved.”
Mr. Barton attended the ceremony and credited the team with saving his life, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. They went above and beyond.”
Those recognized for their roles in the emergency response included Chief Joshua Light, Assistant Chief Brandon Dalton, Captain Breyer Clark, Lieutenant Billy Dalton, Firefighter/EMR Charles Risley, Firefighter/EMT Logan Campbell, Firefighter/EMT Dustin Dahmer, Firefighter/EMT Anne Light, Firefighter/EMT Harold Sweet, Firefighter Andrew Bonnell, Firefighter Braeden Dalton, Firefighter Richard “Red” Davenport, Firefighter Peyton Deom, Firefighter Paul Martin, Firefighter Jason Travis, Firefighter Steve Walker, EMT Ladonna Risley, Dispatcher Sean Lane, and Deputy Devin Graves
Each played a vital role in the rescue and demonstrated the strength of teamwork and training under pressure.
“It’s great that we’re being recognized as a unit,” said Deputy Devin Graves.
“We were just doing our job that day,” said EMT Ladonna Risley. “And here we are, months later, getting an award for something we do every day.”
“It’s a big honor, and this was a team effort,” added Firefighter/EMT Anne Light.
“For such a small rural area, it’s amazing to receive this award and to be recognized in Southern Illinois,” said Chief Joshua Light.
The Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Ceremony is held annually to honor firefighters and first responders from across the state for acts of bravery and distinguished service.