Four friends were playing tennis in Flossmoor Park on May 20 when one of them collapsed. Their quick action and the response of village first responders saved the man’s life, according to Flossmoor officials.
At the Board of Trustees meeting on June 17, the village recognized the three tennis players and 11 members of the police, fire and emergency dispatch services for their dedication and professionalism.
And the recovering patient, Peter Mullings, was there to thank the whole group.
“I just want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “I realize what a gift this is. It’s very humbling. I’m very thankful all you people are being recognized for your professionalism. As a former law enforcement person myself I understand how that can go unrecognized.”
Fire Chief Bob Kopec introduced the individuals being honored, including tennis partners Justin S. Winston, an Evanston police officer, Darryl Lewis and Johnny Wilbon, each of whom received a Civilian Life Saving Commendation “for their composed and swift actions during a critical emergency.” Lewis and Winston were present to receive their commendations.
Kopec also introduced the first responders who each received a EMS Life Saving Commendation Award in “recognition and acknowledgment of the exceptional skills and lifesaving efforts,” according to a memo from Kopec to the board.
The police officers who responded were Shift Leader Eddie Salisbery, Patrol Officer Hank Bausch and Patrol Officer Charea Reynolds. The ECOM dispatchers who assisted were Sherry Wright and Brian Tobin. Fire department responders were Captain Nick Camilli, Lt. Ed Hutton, Firefighter/Paramedic Billy Thacker, Firefighter/Paramedic Kelly Thacker, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle LaFond and Firefighter/EMT Manuel Villarreal.
“It’s an amazing blessing that I get to have this moment with all these people you see here today, to recognize what teamwork and community truly is and what first responders truly do for our community,” he said.
