Listen Live
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – The Springfield Fire Department honored three Springfield firefighters with the Hometown Hero Award for their lifesaving actions during a fire earlier this year.
Driver engineer Devin Gilman and firefighters Pete Miller and Nick Saccaro were recognized for their quick thinking, sound judgment and exceptional teamwork under extreme conditions.
The department also recognized Capt. John Cicci for his leadership and dedication to training the award-winning crew.
At 1 p.m. March 11, 2026, firefighters responded to a fire at an apartment building. When firefighters arrived, they saw a victim hanging from a third-story window.
According to the department, Gilman and Saccaro initiated a rescue, setting up a ladder to reach the window. Saccaro reached the victim and safely brought her to the ground.
SFD said the woman had severe lacerations and burns on her hands and feet. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
“Firefighting is about making the right decision in the worst possible conditions,” Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk said during the presentation. “It is about recognizing what needs to be done, trusting your training and having the courage to act when every second matters. Their quick recognition of the situation, sound judgment, courage, teamwork and lifesaving actions are a true reflection of what it means to serve as a firefighter.”