Firefighters honored for rescue
Published: February 12, 2007
Edwardsville firefighters Matt Sinnokrak and Bill Reiter were awarded Medals of Valor on Tuesday.
The two men were honored for their efforts during a house fire that occurred on Dec. 2, 2006, that saved the life of 19-year-old Caleb Bruce.
The city conducted a ceremony prior to the council meeting where city officials, firefighters, family and friends joined to honor the heroes from that day.
Sinnokrak and Reiter were unaware why they were there, they were just told to show up and be dressed in full uniform.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson said, “We are here tonight to honor two firefighters who would call this duty routine. This was anything but routine,” Wilson said.
Bruce along with his family and Wilson awarded the Medals of Valor along with a certificate to Sinnokrak and Reiter.
This was the first time Bruce had met his rescuers.
Wilson said that on Dec. 2, the ice storm was lingering and it was cold. He said the fire department responded to a fire on Pin Oak Road.
Upon arrival, Wilson said the firefighters realized it was morning, cars were in the drive and no one was outside.
“The firefighters realized there was a chance someone was still inside,” Wilson said.
He said Sinnokrak and Reiter entered the house full of heavy smoke not knowing how the fire was spreading.
“They searched each room,” he said.
Wilson said the two searched the house using the “sense of feel alone.”
They found Bruce unconscious.
To save his life, they knew they had to get him out of the house to get medical attention, he said.
Sinnokrak and Reiter did, and because of that Bruce is alive today.
After the rescue, Bruce was transported to Anderson Hospital and then to St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis.
Bruce said he was there for about 20 days for recovery.
“I want to thank the fire department for saving me,” Bruce said.
Mayor Gary Niebur said the city was proud of the firefighters.
“We are certainly grateful and it is a pleasure and honor what took place here tonight and recall what you two did to save a life. We would like to thank you and applaud you on behalf of the city of Edwardsville. Thank you and all the firefighters and police for what they do for the city,” Niebur said.
Sinnokrak and Reiter have been recommended for recognition at the state level as well.
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