Washington mayor honors Al Ponto for helping wake neighbors during Chestnut Street fire

Mayor Lillia Stevens presented a formal proclamation on July 6 recognizing Al Ponto for his actions during a June 4 fire on Chestnut Street.

Stevens read the proclamation that described Ponto as an honorary Washington Fire Department member who "heard the explosion, smelled smoke, and immediately responded to the scene," repeatedly pounded on the door to alert sleeping occupants and was prepared to break a window if necessary. "I, Lillia Stevens, mayor of the city of Washington, Illinois, on behalf of the city council, hereby recognize Al Ponto for his heroic actions and dedication to the preservation of life on 06/04/2026," Stevens said while presenting the document.

At the microphone, Ponto described the circumstances that night and credited the proximity of other emergency responses for shortening the department’s response time. He said: "When the crash occurred on East Kruger Road... Fire department was already out there on that scene... That made the difference in the world. Otherwise, we could have had 2 fatalities." Fire Chief Tyler also presented Ponto with a life‑save challenge coin and praised his willingness to act.

According to Ponto, what appeared from his back window to be flames over the roof was later determined to be a garage fire; with Washington Fire Department crews on scene, the fire was controlled quickly and the homeowners were able to return the next day.

The recognition was one of several agenda items at the July 6 council meeting; no formal council action was required for the proclamation.