CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Union leaders are calling for change after two Champaign firefighters and an EMT were assaulted while responding to a call earlier this month.
According to police, Lt. Courtney Moravek, firefighter Robert Poynton and an Arrow EMT were stabbed by Trevor Lewis Sept. 4 during a mental health call.
Both firefighters are now home and recovering, but union leaders said the incident highlights an urgent need for stronger safety measures and statewide reforms.
“We’re very fortunate that both of our guys are home right now. They’re resting, they’re healing, and they’re surrounded by their families and their fire family,” said Zach Tish, president of Champaign Firefighters Local.
Tish said the fire department and families are leaning on peer support teams to help members cope.
“It’s obviously difficult to process,” Tish said. “We’ve been setting up events that are available to the firefighters and the spouses as well. We’re just trying to make sure we’re covering bases and taking care of what needs we can."
During Wednesday's hearing, Local 1260 members and first responders packed the courtroom during Lewis' detention hearing.
“To be physically present and hear the details coming from the attorneys and the judge—it definitely brings a lot of emotions to the surface,” Tisch explained.
Associated Firefighters of Illinois President Chuck Sullivan said what happened in Champaign is part of a broader issue.
“Every 46 hours across the United States, a firefighter or EMS worker is abused. Every nine days, a firefighter is injured severely enough to require hospitalization,” Sullivan said. “Whether it’s Chicago, Clinton, Champaign, or Carbondale, workplace safety has to be a priority.”
Sullivan pointed to the Community Emergency Support Services Act, signed into law in 2021 but not scheduled to take effect until 2027. The act is intended to address situations like what happened earlier this month in Champaign.
“The time for task forces and studies is done. This cannot continue,” Sullivan said. “We want a statewide comprehensive plan that keeps our members as safe as possible.”
Locally, Tish said the union had meetings over the weekend and into this week to discuss changes, such as training. He told WAND News he felt discussions were moving in the right direction.
Both union leaders stressed that despite the risks, firefighters remain committed to their communities.
“They went there for one reason—to assist somebody in the community. Period,” Sullivan said.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
