and embankment and fully engulfed in flames. As Captain Pennock began to yell, he heard a female voice in the distance. The driver and sole occupant was an 80-year-old female. She was lying on the ground near the rear bumper with her legs exposed to the extreme heat and flames and unable to move away from the vehicle. As the flames grew larger, Captain Pennock quickly grabbed one of her arms and began pulling her away from the burning vehicle. The woman had ended up in a small washout ravine and Captain Pennock was unable to pull her to safety alone. As he was working to bring her up the embankment, Troopers Brian Douglas and Clint Nickel arrived to assist. All three officers worked together and pulled the woman to safety. The officers kept her comfortable until emergency personnel arrived and took over her care.
Local officers receive lifesaving award
Pittsfield IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Leo P. Schmitz was joined by ISP command staff members to recognize the noble contributions made by sworn and civilian members of the Illinois State Police, government agencies, and the public. The Awards Ceremony was held on October 30, 2018, at Hope Church in Springfield, Illinois, and paid tribute to the acts of heroism and professionalism displayed by the men and women who were honored during the event. Each award recipient was recognized for their exemplary service to the ISP and the citizens of Illinois.
"The courageous dedication to service displayed each and every day demonstrates the commitment the men and women of the ISP have in protecting the citizens of Illinois," said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. "I am proud to serve alongside every one of them," he added.
Among the award recipients were three individuals from the District 20 area. Troopers Clint Nickel and Brian Douglas as well as Pike County Sheriff’s Department Captain John Pennock were recognized for their actions at the scene of a single vehicle traffic crash on Interstate 72 in Pike County on the night of August 16, 2017.
Captain John Pennock was the first to respond to the scene of a crash where a vehicle was down
Troopers Douglas and Nickel received the Illinois State Police Lifesaving Medal and Captain Pennock received the Director’s Award of Distinction for their actions.