Highland Park first responders honored for heroic effort during parade shooting
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- The Highland Park July 4th parade massacre displayed some of the worst in humanity – but the people who stepped up in its horrific aftermath also showed some of the best.
Those who stepped up in the middle of the chaos were recognized Monday night at a Highland Park City Council meeting. CBS 2's Charlie de mar was present.
A common theme that all of honorees shared at the meeting was their split-second decision to jump into action — whether it was running toward bullets or triaging patients in the hospital. Those who went above and beyond that terrible July day were given a thank you from this community.
Time and life have gone by in Highland Park since the 4th of July mass shooting that killed seven innocent people and wounded dozens more. During a City Council meeting, local leaders vowed to never forget — as those who ran towards the shooter were recognized for their bravery.
They were awarded the Congressional Certificate of Recognition by U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois).
One of those who stepped into action was Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg.
"I found the young lady laying on her stomach who needed assistance and care – and that's what I did," Idleburg said.
The sheriff waited with a woman who was bleeding from her back until paramedics arrived.
"Serving in the military and being around the world, I've never seen this type of tragedy before," Idleburg said, "but to see it firsthand – it was very disheartening to see our community suffer."
From Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering to the Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart — the county prosecutor who brought charges against the alleged shooter — in all, 11 leaders and first responders were recognized with a certificate and an American flag that once flew at half-staff from the U.S. Capitol.
"My hope is that by presenting these flags, these heroes that received the flags will look at those flags, remember the recognition – but also internalize the appreciation of our community and country," Schneider said.
"There are people today that here with us today because of all the work that was done that day," said Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen. "I think we're all carrying it still, and you know, wish we could have done more."
While the weight of the July fourth shooting will always be heavy for the first responders in the community, their selfless actions saved lives — and did not go unnoticed.
In addition to the chiefs of the police and fire departments receiving the recognition Monday night, every officer, firefighter, and paramedic who was on duty July fourth also will receive a certificate.
