During a recent government meeting, Fire Chief Puck Nidus honored two young citizens, Colin and Katen Byrdez, with the Fire Chief Citizen Award for their quick thinking and bravery during a medical emergency. On July 9, the boys, aged 11 and 8, respectively, activated emergency medical services using their smartwatches when their babysitter suffered a seizure.

Chief Nidus praised the boys for their calm demeanor and effective communication with first responders, which contributed significantly to the successful handling of the situation. He highlighted their prior training at the Naperville Citizens Fire Academy, which equipped them with the knowledge to act decisively in emergencies.

In addition to the award, the chief presented each boy with a special challenge coin, symbolizing their commendable actions and encouraging other community members to be proactive in emergency situations. The event underscored the importance of citizen involvement in public safety and served as an inspiration for others to take similar initiatives in times of crisis.