VIDEO: In the early hours of April 17, 2023, the Peoria fire department responded to a house fire on West Stephen Drive in Northwest Peoria.
91-year-old Louise Johnson fell unconscious, leaving her trapped in the blaze. Capt. Nick Hansen and firefighter Tobi Roderick then sprung into action and rescued the woman from her house, saving her life.
Tuesday, they were honored by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, receiving the Firefighting Medal of Valor.
“A lot of our other brothers and sisters would have done the same. I just had to be the one that was there. I’m glad I was the one that got to experience it. I’m just really honored to be the one up here, just right place, right time,” said Hansen.
Their rapid rescue, tactical skills and zero hesitation in risking their own life is exactly what they’ve trained for.