SAR awards honor fire, police, citizens
The Lewis and Clark Chapter of the Illinois Society of Sons of the American Revolution recently presented its annual awards for law enforcement, firefighting, good citizenship and heroism by a private citizen.
<h3 class="breakHead">Law Enforcement Commendation Medal: Officer Kurt Schmulbach of the Lebanon Police Department </h3>
According to the Lebanon Advertiser, Officer Schmulbach is recognized for his professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. He serves as the DARE officer for the Lebanon schools and often dresses as a superhero such as Batman or Superman to visit children in the hospital.
In addition, Schmulbach was the lead officer on a recent child molestation case in Lebanon. It was due to his persistence that charges were brought in the case, Police Chief David Roth said.
<h3 class="breakHead">Fire Safety Commendation Medal: Joshua Potrawski, New Baden Volunteer Fire Department </h3>
Joshua Potrawski, 19, a second-year probationary fireman in the New Baden department, was featured in the Belleville News-Democrat, which said firefighting has been his lifelong dream. Fire Chief Matt Flanagan said Joshua is taking the classes he needs to advance. Joshua also helps report fires on the Southern Illinois Fire Incidents Facebook page and works as a dispatcher in the St. Clair County center.
"Getting young adults to volunteer is hard to do all over the country," Flanagan said. "We really try to recruit them and encourage them to perform community service."
<h3 class="breakHead">Good Citizenship Commendation Medal: Jake Baer of Lebanon Youth Sports </h3>
Jake Baer was nominated by the Lebanon Advertiser, which said of him, "Baer almost single-handedly runs Lebanon Youth Sports, including baseball, softball and soccer teams. He advertises the teams and supervises sign-ups, recruits coaches and sponsors, coaches teams himself, and, if that wasn't enough, he spearheaded a move to place a concession stand at the local park where the kids practice and play. Baer also maintains the Lebanon Youth Sports Facebook page to communicate with team members, parents, coaches, and the community."
<h3 class="breakHead">Heroism Commendation Medal: Brenda Chandler of Hecker </h3>
An article on Republictimes.net reported that on the evening of March 27, Brenda Chandler came to the aid of two senior citizens whose car had burst into flames at their home near Red Bud. The woman was able to free herself, but the man was not.
"She quickly pulled my dad from the now-burning car, and then dragged him to safety with only a few seconds to spare," a family member said.
The Sons of the American Revolution is a national organization with state societies and local chapters. Its purposes are patriotic, historical and educational. For details, visit www.sar.org. Counties served by the Lewis & Clark chapter are St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, Washington, Clinton and Jefferson. Email meacham@nwcabl