Five Area Firefighters Who Helped at Teutopolis Anhydrous Incident to Receive State Recognition

Print

Published on May 10 2024 9:19 am
Last Updated on May 10 2024 9:19 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(THE CRASH SCENE)

There were many who helped the night of a crash and a subsequent release of anhydrous ammonia on the east edge of Teutopolis on September 29, 2023. A certain group of area firefighters, however, who have been judged to have gone the extra mile that night are receiving special recognition for their service. 

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is hosting the 31st Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service and Medal of Honor Ceremony on Tuesday, May 14. Members from the fire service will gather at the fallen firefighter memorial to honor five firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and remember those who have also made the ultimate sacrifice in the past.

The group will then assemble at the Bank of Springfield Center "to honor those who have selflessly given their all protecting the citizens of their communities during 2023."

Eight firefighters will be awarded the Medal of Honor. Five of those are from the Teutopolis Fire Protection District and the Montrose Fire Protection District. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal defines the Medal of Honor as "the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which the firefighter has demonstrated in great degree the characteristics of selflessness and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk."

Those receiving the Medal of Honor are Lieutenant Brett Repking and Firefighters Ryan Lee and Dan Kocher of the Teutopolis Fire Protection District and Assistant Fire Chief David Browning and Captain Drew Pals of the Montrose Fire Protection District. 

Five people died and 11 more were injured as a result of the incident. A large portion of the Teutopolis village population was evacuated for almost 24 hours following the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.