2019/03/11 - First Responders
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Last week, we were reminded of the reality that being a first responder carries great responsibility. With that great responsibility comes danger. The bravery and honor of first responders, in O’Fallon and across the nation, is to be commended.
On March 5, 2019, during a response to a structure fire in Bethalto, Illinois, two firefighters of the Godfrey Fire Protection District were injured when a portion on the brick structure collapsed during the fire suppression efforts.
Captain Jacob “Jake” Ringering of the Godfrey FD died as a result of his injuries. The collective heart of Godfrey and the surrounding communities still hurt over the loss of this hero.
The Godfrey Fire Protection District has set up funds at Carrollton Bank for donations to the Ringering Family and injured firefighter Luke Warner, who was also injured in the structure fire. Donations may be mailed or dropped off at Carrolton Bank, 120 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton, Illinois 62220.
While news regarding first responders injured in the line of duty have filled the headlines over the past few years, this tragedy hits close to home. It is a sobering fact that reminds us of the importance and courage of these everyday heroes.
O’Fallon is blessed with an excellent Public Safety Department. Our Police, Fire, EMS, and support services are well trained, well equipped, and dedicated to protecting this community.
As a non-first responder in the community, it is easy to become complacent of the sacrifice needed to provide the high quality of public safety services this community expects and deserves.
Public Safety is a 24/7 operation that never stops, and never slows down. The City of O’Fallon has police, fire, and EMS ready to respond to an emergency at all times.
For that to happen it takes great people. O’Fallon’s everyday heroes show up at every emergency aware of the dangers that the job entails. For many, its not just a job, it’s a calling. And its important that we, as residents, show our appreciation for that dedication. I ask that you keep this in mind whenever you see a first responder.
On a slightly different note, I wanted to inform everyone that Erick Harris has been hired as the O’Fallon Fire Department’s first full-time Deputy Fire Chief. Erick is currently the Fire Department’s Fire Educator, and previous to that was a Code Enforcement Officer. Erick has also served previously as a volunteer firefighter for the Fairview Heights Fire Department for several years.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!