Above / Naperville Firefighter/Paramedic Carl Schultz will be honored with 2018 Award of Valor from the Hundred Club of DuPage County. (Photo courtesy Hundred Club of DuPage County)
Naperville, IL – The Hundred Club of DuPage County will present Naperville Firefighter/Paramedic Carl Schultz their 2018 Award of Valor during its Annual Meeting and Valor Awards Dinner on Wed., Oct. 24, 2018, at the Lisle/Naperville Hilton.
Recognizing first responders for their acts of courage and heroism, the event begins with a social hour at 6PM, followed by dinner at 7PM. The public is welcome to attend.
First responder acts of valor
On April 27, 2018, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point received a 9-1-1 call from several citizens reporting a vehicle in the water at a retention pond located in the 2100 block of Winding River Drive with a possible victim inside. A box alarm for the water rescue incident was immediately dispatched, as well as, the alarm to activate the MABAS 16 Water Rescue/Dive teams for immediate response. While fire companies were en route, the dispatch center confirmed at least one occupant in the water. The male driver was attempting to escape the submerged vehicle.
Upon arrival, Engine 10 crew member Firefighter/Paramedic Carl Schultz immediately donned the surface rescue dry suit and, with a rope tethered to him, entered the water. Rescue responders observed the victim going under water. Schultz immediately swam toward the victim’s last visible location and began to probe underneath the water to locate him. Schultz saw the victim’s hand underwater, reached for it and grabbed it. He then pulled the victim toward him and eventually brought the victim’s head above water. The responders on shore utilized the tether line attached to Schultz and pulled them both to shore. Once on shore, paramedics provided advanced life support care and subsequently transported the individual to Edward Hospital.
Firefighter/Paramedic Schultz bravely and selflessly entered the water and rescued the man who was in obvious distress. His heroic actions, expertise, and extensive training, along with the rapid response from the members of the Naperville Fire Department, proved to be a complete success and the victim is expected to make a full recovery.
“An act of valor is defined as an action above and beyond the call of duty; and when a person exhibits exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind as well as unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life”, said Lisa Savegnago, President of the Hundred Club of DuPage County.
“Firefighter/Paramedic Carl Schultz’s actions are the definition of valor,” Savegnago continued. “His bravery and quick action are a testament to his devotion to duty, sacrifice of self, and service to his community. It’s with great honor that The Hundred Club of DuPage County bestows the 2018 Award of Valor to Firefighter/Paramedic Carl Schultz.”
The Hundred Club Award of Valor
The Hundred Club Award of Valor is a life-long honor of law enforcement officers and firefighters chosen by their peers for heroic actions above and beyond the normal expectations of their duties and their jobs.
Supporting Law Enforcement & Firefighting Personnel Families since 1982
The Hundred Club of DuPage County established in September 1982, is a private, nonprofit charitable organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. The Hundred Club of DuPage County offers assistance to families of law enforcement and firefighting personnel who have been killed, injured, or otherwise stricken while residing or working in the county.
For more information about the Hundred Club of DuPage County or to register for the awards dinner ($75 per person), visit www.hundredclubofdupage.org.
Story and photos submitted by Jodi Rucks for the Hundred Club of DuPage County.
