VIDEO: Two members of the Peoria Fire Department will be honored by the state for their life-saving actions last year at a Peoria house fire.
Capt. Nick Hansen and Tobi Roderick will receive the Firefighting Medal of Valor which is awarded by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office. Such a recognition is very rare, with the last such medals coming close to 20 years ago.
The department will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 26 at the central fire house to honor the two men, who will also get kudos again during the 31st annual Firefighting Medal of Honor awards ceremony, held in mid-May in Springfield.
Both were nominated for their rapid rescue of an unconscious victim in a house fire on April 17, 2023. Their fast intervention, tactical skills, and zero hesitation in risking their own lives saved the victim’s life, according to the Peoria Fire Department.