HR1198 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1198 LRB095 20823 GRL 49579 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Lt./EMT Brian McKermitt for his valor exhibited on the morning of Wednesday, February 21, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Companies of the 11th Battalion of the Chicago Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire at 4345 North Kenneth in Chicago, a one and a half story single family home with a fire in the basement; upon arriving, fire crews saw people running from the front of the home, with one of the occupants yelling to the fire fighters that a person might be trapped in the basement; and

WHEREAS, Engine 108's crew immediately went to work stretching hose lines to extinguish the fire in the basement and also to cover exposures; and

WHEREAS, Tower Ladder 23, under the command of Lt. Brian McKermitt, directed the search and rescue operation and began ventilating the building; the aggressive search team quickly went into the fiery smoke-filled basement, realizing that they only had a few sacred moments to get anyone who was inside out alive; and

WHEREAS, During the rapid but detailed search, Lt. Brian McKermitt found an unconscious adult male, stretched out on the floor, suffering from severe smoke inhalation and extensive burns; and

WHEREAS, Lt. McKermitt dragged the victim to the safety of the stairwell, which was the only possible exit, despite threat of being engulfed by flames from the fire spreading quickly towards the escape route; with the assistance of another firefighter, the victim was carried up the stairs, completing the rescue effort; once outside the home, oxygen and immediate care were provided until Ambulance 39 team took over treatment and transport; and

WHEREAS, Without the courageous efforts, rapid response, and coordinated teamwork shown by Lt. McKermitt and the other responders, this rescue would not have been possible and the outcome would have been tragic; the life of one very fortunate man was salvaged that day and another chance at life provided to someone by firefighters who are dedicated to their motto, "We're there when you need us"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lt./EMT Brian McKermitt for his quick actions and determination in the face of extreme danger; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lt./EMT Brian McKermitt in recognition of his valor, along with the City of Chicago Special Honorable Mention Award.