Spring Valley Fire Chief Todd Bogatitus ‘helps people on their worst day’

When Spring Valley Fire Chief Todd Bogatitus joined the cadet program at 16 years old he was deliberating his future career paths and was looking for a way to serve his community. Almost 40 years later, he
La Salle patrolman Alex Doll puts the community first

At age 8, Alex Doll was riding around the block on his bike when he lost his balance and fell off. A local police officer checked to see if he was alright. This seemingly small gesture left
Bryant Eustice sees similarities between being K-9 handler, coach

After coming home from serving in the military, St. Bede graduate Bryant Eustice was looking for a new direction. He found it in law enforcement. Eustice is not a La Salle County deputy/K-9 handler while continuing to
Balancing act just part of a life of service for Streator firefighter/coach Bryan Park

Being a family man, a full-time firefighter and heavily involved in youth and high school sports is a balancing act Bryan Park has been happy to perform. It’s his way of life, in fact.
Peru paramedic Shauna Breckenridge leads with compassion

When Shauna Breckenridge, of rural Streator, was 12 years old, she was attending her cousin’s birthday party when tragedy struck – a man got his foot caught in a three-wheeler.
Putnam County EMT says being an educator helps her in the field

All it took was a flyer asking for volunteers and Wendy Louis of Putnam signed up to take an EMT class through Putnam County.
Peru paramedic Shauna Breckenridge leads with compassion

When Shauna Breckenridge, of rural Streator, was 12 years old, she was attending her cousin’s birthday party when tragedy struck – a man got his foot caught in a three-wheeler.
Putnam County EMT says being an educator helps her in the field

All it took was a flyer asking for volunteers and Wendy Louis of Putnam signed up to take an EMT class through Putnam County.
Cael Davis has the ‘best job in the world’ as Princeton firefighter/EMT

Firefighter/EMT Cael Davis said if there was one saying he heard from a coach that rings out most today is “always give a 100 percent.”
Letters: Illinois Valley First Responders – We Thank You!
Illinois Valley community members sent in thank you messages to area first responders. Read their heartfelt notes here.