FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ray Hanania
June 27,
2012 rayhanania / comcast.net
Fire District
Recognizes four in Lake Sedgewick rescue
OFPD, Orland Park, IL., – Four civilians were honored
Tuesday by the Orland Fire Protection District Board for quick action that
helped save the life on May 29 at Lake Sedgewick of a 33 year old man who
officials said would “surely have drowned.”
Albert Kulicz, 21, of Bridgeview, and a friend, McKenzie
Smith, 16, jumped into the water when the man started yelling for help. Friends
on shore quickly called 911 for emergency assistance.
Three of Smith’s friends, also students from Carl Sandburg
High school in Orland Park, Andrea Dunn, 16, and Taylor Calzaretta, 17, and
Meghan Carmody, helped as Kulicz and Smith dragged the naked man from the
waters onto the shore.
“All of these young men and women went above and beyond to
help a person in need. Not only did they call 911, as they should, but they
also immediately helped by giving the victim resuscitation support,” said OFPD
Fire Chief Ken Brucki in presenting the recipients with the OFPD Citizens Life
Saving Award.
“We want to thank each and every one of you for what you
did. It was brave and you all did a good job.”
Four of the five rescuers were introduced to the board by
OFPD Lt. Mark Duke, who said that they had acted properly and professionally,
“And they did what needed to be done without any special skills or training.”
Smith was unable to attend the presentation at the Fire
Board meeting but Kulicz, Dunn, Calzaretta and Carmody were all presented with
Life Saving Certificates.
“It is heartwarming to know that there are individuals out
there who will come to the assistance of people who are in need and in
dangerous circumstances,” said OFPD Board President Jim Hickey.
The incident occurred on May 29 along Lake Sedgewick’s
southern shores. Lake Sedgewick is a 95 acre lake which includes a
boat ramp, boardwalk, outdoor amphitheater, gazebo, council ring, nature
trails, and hiking paths.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left OFPD Board President Jim Hickey,
Trustee Chris Evoy, Chief Ken Brucki, Albert Kulicz, Taylor Calzaretta, Meghan
Carmody, Andrea Dunn, and Trustees Glenn Michalek, Marty McGill and Blair
Rhode. Photo courtesy of Battalion Chief Dan Smith.
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