Boards & Commissions Supporting Documents - 11/02/2009 - Board of TrusteesI'1 EN 3A,
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November 2, 2009
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MEMO TO: FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC JOHN FAGAN
Village of
FROM: CHIEF THOMAS McELLIN
Oak Brook
1200 Oak Brook Road
COMMENDATION
Oak Brook, IL 60523 -2255
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On October 18, 2009 at approximately 8:30 PM, a vehicle plunged into a pond
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in the 'Village of Lombard near Butterfield Rd. and Fountain Square Dr,
Administration
Aware that Lombard Fire Department did not have dive team; Oak Brook
630.368.5000
FAX 630.368.5045
firefighters monitored the radio traffic. When it became apparent that a
vehicle with possible victims was submerged, Firefighter /Paramedic John
Community
Fagan, a member of the Oak Brook Water Rescue team, prepared for a
Development
630.368.5101
possible response.
FAX 630.368.5128
Lombard Fire Department requested the Oak Brook Fire Department as the
Engineering
closest dive team to respond mutual aid. Our only diver on duty, FF/PM
Department
Fagan, donned his dive equipment while enroute. Once on the scene, it was
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630.368.5130
'FAX 630.368.5128
reported that a vehicle was submerged about 75 ft. from shore with unknown
victims. Standard procedure states that a diver should not enter the water until
Fire Department
a safety diver is available. However, based on risk/reward analysis, FF /PM
630.368.5200
Fagan determined that a viable rescue was possible decided to perform a solo
FAX 630.368 5250
dive with a tethered line. He dove into the black, murky water with very
Police Department
limited visibility conditions. He was able to conduct a full search of the
630.368.8700
interior of the vehicle. He found a victim and was able to quickly remove the
FAX 630.368.8739
from the vehicle to the surface for immediate medical assessment.
subject
FF /PM Fagan then resumed his search and found a child's safety seat in the
Public Works
Department
back but was able to confirm there were no additional victims in the vehicle.
630.368.5270
FAX 630.368.5295
Lt. Bitterlin, FF /PMs Washington, Johnson and Mieszala prepared the boat
and dive equipment for a rapid response. They assisted FF /PM Fagan in
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donning gear, tending his safety line and underwater communications.
Although the victim did not survive, the actions and coordination of the entire
600 Oak Brook Road
company provided for a valiant, proficient rescue attempt.
Oak Brook, 1L 60523 -2200
630-368.7700
The actions of Firefighter /Paramedic Fagan were above and beyond the call of
FAX 630.3630.36 8..7777 04
duty on the tragic night of October 18, 2009. His devotion to duty reflected
Oak Brook Sports Core
credit upon himself and were in accordance with the highest standards of the
Oak Brook Fire Department.
)Bath & Tennis Club
700 Oak Brook Road
By order of,
Oak Brook, IL 60523 -4600
630.368.6420
FAX 630.368.6439
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Thomas McEllin
Golf Club
Fire Chief
2606 York Road
Oak Brook, 11, 60523 -4602
630.368.6400
FAX 630.368.6419
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