Three Firefighters Receive Medal of Valor Award
May 31, 2011 is a date many in the village of Pierron won’t soon forget. The firefighters of the Highland-Pierron Fire Department remember that night well; they can easily recount the urgency in the dispatcher’s voice as they were paged to the Schmitt family’s house fire as it was reported that four family members were still trapped inside.
Nearly a year later, three firemen who responded that evening were awarded the Medal of Valor by Illinois’ Office of the State Fire Marshal. In the nomination submitted by Chief Steve Plocher, Captain Phil Decker, Captain Brian Klostermann, and Stephen Linenfelser are regarded for pulling Kyle Schmitt to safety through a window of the burning home. Because of the quick and heroic actions made by the firefighters, Kyle was treated and survived the injuries he suffered in the hostile conditions of the burning home. Devastatingly, it was due to those hostile conditions that Kyle’s younger brother Braedyn could not be saved. Two other family members had been pulled to safety with the assistance from neighbors before the arrival of the fire department. The Office of the State Fire Marshal decrees: “The Medal of Valor award is given by the state of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty.”
At the 19th Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony, held at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois on May 10, 2012, Decker, Klostermann, and Linenfelser were presented with the Medal of Valor Award along with eight others from across the state. During the ceremony, other firefighters were granted the Firefighter Excellence Award and Medal of Honor Award for their actions in dangerous fire situations. Six families were presented with the Duty Death Gold Badge Award, an award of honor given to the family of a firefighter deceased in, or as a result of, the performance of duty. The Gold Badge ritual was an emotional reminder that firefighters are trained to “risk a lot to save a lot.”
Governor Pat Quinn spoke to those gathered, saying, “I’m glad to be here today, honoring those who understand what true heroism is.” Illinois State Fire Marshal Lawrence Matkaitis also addressed the crowd: “The amazing bravery demonstrated by the firefighters being recognized here today proves that it takes an extraordinary person to be in this profession. Day in and day out, these men and women put their lives on the line to protect us.”
In speaking about the award, Klostermann said, “I am only accepting this award on behalf of our entire department. This was a team effort; I am proud to be a part of this department and to serve the residents of the Highland-Pierron Fire District.”
To be considered for the prestigious Medal of Valor Award, Chief Plocher submitted a nomination detailing a full account of the fire and harsh conditions, then described the courageous actions taken by Decker, Klostermann, and Linenfelser. The nomination was reviewed by the ten-member Illinois Firefighting Medal of Honor Committee which is comprised of firefighters throughout the state who are given the task of approving those truly deserving of the honor. “If it were not for the valiant efforts of Captains Decker and Klostermann and Firefighter Linenfelser in the initial moments of the fire, the unresponsive child they rescued from the back bedroom would also have perished,” said Chief Plocher.
The Pleasant Farm 
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