Black Hawk College honored area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.
Community members were invited to nominate first responders who have demonstrated a willingness to place their own lives at risk for others or have dedicated themselves to the service of others in the 12 months before nomination.
Award recipients Michael Arp, left, and Peyton Sallows, center, are pictured with Peyton’s mother, Ali Sallows, whose life was saved because of their help.
The college received 58 award nominations for the 2023 awards and selected four recipients. The awards:
First Responder Hero Award: Sgt. William Lind, East Moline Police Department
On Oct. 24, 2022, Lind was critically injured in the line of duty while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted on felony arson charges. Lind has recovered from his injuries and has returned to work on restricted duty.
Jeff Ramsey, East Moline chief of police, accepted the award on Lind’s behalf.
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First Responder Agency of the Year Award: Moline Fire Department
This recognition highlighted Moline Fire Department’s contributions to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The department received the most nominations of any first responder agency.
In 2022, the Moline Fire Department responded to 8,592 calls for service (CFS). Total calls for service have steadily increased for several years, from 7,642 in 2020 and 7,888 in 2021. The department is on pace to respond to more than 8,800 calls for service in 2023.
The department also participated in 7,457 hours of training, provided more than 100 hours of public education, installed 176 smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and performed more than 1,000 business inspections in 2022.
Travis Noyd, deputy fire chief, accepted the award on behalf of the department.
Civilian First Responder Hero Award: Peyton Sallows; and Certificate of Appreciation: Michael Arp, Genesis Ambulance Services
On Sept. 5, 2023, Peyton Sallows, a 7 year old from Port Byron, displayed incredible bravery when her mother was experiencing severe anaphylactic shock. She saved her mother’s life with a quick thinking and calm response when calling 911. Her actions were instrumental in the first responders’ swift arrival and successful life-saving intervention.
Michael Arp, a first responder from Genesis Ambulance Services, administered the critical first aid that helped stabilize Peyton’s mother’s condition.
The awards were presented at the fourth annual First Responders Appreciation and Criminal Justice Career Exploration Day. More than 100 high school and college students attended and were able to talk to representatives from 18 first-responder agencies about career opportunities.
Two New York Police Department officers ambushed and killed after responding to a 911 call and the rookie cop who took down the gunman were honored Wednesday, along with six others, by President Joe Biden with the Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest honor for bravery by a public safety officer. The three NYPD officers, a Houston police officer, Colorado police official, Ohio sheriff’s deputy and three FDNY firefighters all received medals in a White House ceremony before Biden departs for Japan and the Group of Seven summit. “I don’t know all of you, but I do know you,” Biden said. “From small towns to big cities, you’re cut from the same cloth. You run into danger when everyone else runs away from danger.” Biden told the crowd the award was given for “actions above and beyond the call of duty,” singling out the families of the officers to thank them.
Photos: Black Hawk College Class of 2023 Commencement at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK
Lauren Bloomquist of East Moline dances across the stage to receive her diploma during graduation ceremonies.
Henna Griffin of Geneseo puts her hands in the air as she receives her diploma during Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Abigail Tossou gives students remarks during the ceremony.
Students remarks speaker Lauren Rogan addresses the crowd during the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Graduate Beyonce Gonzalez dances across the stage during the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement ceremony Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
A Black Hawk College graduate shows she is ready for the next phase of life during Commencement.
Graduating students Madison Fuller, left, Tori Declercq, center, and Alexandria Earnest take a selfie cellphone photo before the start of the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement on Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Black Hawk College2023 Commencement Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Koby Brooks of Prophetstown waves to family and friends as he receives his diploma.
Neal Eakins of Mishawaka, Indiana, waves to family and friends during the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement.
Anayeli Ramirez Xique makes adjustments to her cap before the start of the Commencement Ceremony.
Graduates Elisabeth Genevieve Wallin, left, Jessica Torres, center, and Eric Thorndyke hold signs for photos before the start of the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement on Thursday at Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Graduates pose for a photo before Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement on Thursday at te Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
A message to family is displayed on a graduate’s cap.
Black Hawk College Board of Trustees President Fritz W. Larsen presents Michelle Johnson the honorary title of Professor Emerita during Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement on Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.
Graduate Emily Freymann gives the student remarks during the Black Hawk College 2023 Commencement Thursday at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline.