EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND)- Three Effingham firefighters were honored at the City's Council meeting Tuesday night for their brave actions during the 2023 anhydrous ammonia crash in Teutopolis.
Effingham Fire Departments Lieutenant Stroud, Firefighter Siemer, and Firefighter Paholke were recognized for their incredible courage on September 29, 2023.
Effingham fire was called out to assist after a truck carrying anhydrous ammonia had crashed on U.S. Highway 40 between Teutopolis and Montrose.Â
The three were tasked with finding a missing adult and two children who were near the accident site. Wearing full firefighting turnout gear and SCBAs, they ventured into the area.
According to Fire Department while trying to locate the residence, they inadvertently found themselves right in the middle of the incident, which turned out to be very dangerous due to the toxic gas leaking from the truck. Despite realizing the risk, they continued their mission, fully aware of the tremendous danger.
The department said during their search, on their first tank of air, they discovered one child who had sadly passed away. This was a tough moment, but they had to keep going. They changed their air tanks and continued their search.
Next, they found a woman injured in a car that had crashed on the property.
They quickly used a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) pack—a special device with a mask and breathable air, designed for quick rescue in hazardous situations—to safely get her out and hand her over to the medical team. This quick action saved her life. The crew changed their air tanks a third time and tragically found the second child, also deceased.
During Tuesday night's meeting Lieutenant Stroud, Firefighter Siemer, and Firefighter Paholke were presented with the Firefighter Medal of Honor.Â
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