Streator firefighters recognized by state for lifesaving actions

Eight current and former members of the Streator Fire Department were honored Tuesday at the 32nd annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor ceremony for their lifesaving actions during a house fire Jan. 1, 2024.

The incident involved a two-story house fire with smoke and flames coming from the second floor.

The first crew at the scene – now-retired Capt. Ryan Reynolds, Lt. Eddie Levy and former firefighter Russell Callahan – were informed of a victim on the second floor.

Battling high heat and zero visibility, Reynolds worked to contain the fire while Levy and Callahan searched the home. Levy found the victim unconscious and moved him to the hallway, where he and Callahan carried him downstairs and outside to safety.

For their actions, Reynolds, Levy and Callahan each were awarded the Firefighter Excellence Award.

A second crew, including Capt. Fred McClellan, Lt. Tim Redd, firefighter Jeff Arendell, firefighter Ian Rogers and firefighter TJ Renner, arrived soon after.

The crew established a water supply, assisted emergency medical services personnel and continued fire suppression on the burning home.

Once the victim was rescued, they initiated resuscitation efforts.

The victim was breathing by the time they reached the ambulance, speaking on the way to the hospital, and discharged five days later without any lasting injuries.

McClellan, Redd, Arendell, Rogers and Renner were awarded the Firefighter Excellence Unit Citation Award for their efforts.

After the ceremony, state Sen. Chris Balkema presented certificates of recognition to the firefighters in a private gathering on the Capitol grounds.

Streator Mayor Tara Bedei, City Manager David Plyman, and numerous family members and supporters were in attendance in Springfield.

The annual ceremony honors firefighters throughout the state for recent acts of heroism, as well as those who lost their lives in the line of duty.