Belvidere honors police and fire personnel with life‑saving and valor awards for March apartment rescue

Belvidere presented life‑saving and valor awards April 13 to police and fire personnel who rescued an unconscious resident during a rapidly evolving apartment fire on March 7, 2026.

Deputy Chief Bird described the response as “a call for service that turned into something quite a bit different,” saying officers and firefighters coordinated to evacuate residents, secure the scene and assist with a rescue that likely prevented a larger tragedy. He told the council the rescue began when an officer discovered smoke at the top of an apartment doorway and, after forced entry was impractical because of intense flames, officers shifted to door‑to‑door evacuations and scene control while firefighters gained entry and removed an unresponsive occupant.

The city’s citations name Officers Tyler Stanford, Michelle Bogdonis, Ethan Shook and Anthony Jones for rapid recognition of the hazard, quick coordination with fire crews and decisive evacuation actions. Fire Chief Shadel said the department’s crews were able “within minutes” to suppress the fire and reach the patient, then provide medical care before transport to St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

Council members and department leaders highlighted the interagency teamwork. Chief Shadel read valor citations for four firefighters — including Camden Johnson, Kevin Fox and Lt. Nick Thornton — and life‑saving awards for additional crew members and officers involved in scene control and patient care. The council gave the officers and firefighters an ovation as the awards were presented.

The council held the recognition during its regular Committee of the Whole meeting; no legislative action was required. The city’s police and fire departments emphasized that the event illustrated routine training and close coordination between first responders.