General Motors Names Three First Responders as Hero Finalists
By: Ryan Gartman
October 7, 2011 9:01 am CT
The Driving the Midwest team is pleased to honor our latest group of hero finalists, all of who are first responders. Policemen, firemen and paramedics embody what it means to be a true hero, and we need YOUR help to name one our winner!
Take a few moments to read all of the stories below, and then cast your vote for the person who you think should be named our hero winner. After the voting period, the finalist with the most votes, and his or her nominator, will win a week-long loan of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle along with a special hero package.
Elizabeth Robinson-Chan from Aurora, nominated by Nydia Ramirez
Elizabeth is an Aurora police officer who truly cares about everyone she meets. She will literally take whatever she has and give it away to a person who is in need. She is dedicated to helping others, and if she doesn’t have it she will purchase and donate brand new items even to people she knows absolutely nothing about. As a co-worker, she is always available and at hand to help with any given task at any time, even during her time off. She goes well above and beyond of what is expected of her.
Al Allen from North Riverside, nominated by Chris Kirbales
Al is an outstanding member of the area fire department. While on duty, Al was sent to his lieutenant’s house on an emergency call. Once he arrived, Al performed CPR and other ALS care which helped his lieutenant’s heart to start beating again. Not only is Al a dedicated first responder, but he also saved the life of one of his own. He is a true hero to us all.
Phil Carmody from Naperville, nominated by John Halgren
Phil is a hero for two reasons. Not only is he a Naperville firefighter paramedic, but he also serves as the President on the Board of Directors for ‘Opportunity Knocks,’ an organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for challenged adults in our neighborhood. His brother, Mike, founded the organization and was inspired by their brother John, who has Down syndrome. Phil campaigns tirelessly and truly represents a hometown hero.
Vote Here for Your Illinois First Responder Hero
Loading ...Remember, only one vote per person per round! We actively monitor voting to ensure all votes follow the Our Town, Our Heroes Contest Rules.
Voting for this round of Our Town, Our Heroes ends at 6:00 P.M. CT on October 13, 2011! We will announce the winner and the winning hero’s nominator on October 14, so be sure to keep checking DrivingtheMidwest.com and follow us on Twitter @DrivingMidwest for real-time updates!
Remember, we’re always accepting nominations for Our Town, Our Heroes, so nominate YOUR hero today!
Tags: Firemen, First Responders, general motors, Illinois, our heroes, our town, Paramedics, Police Officers
Visit Opportunity Knocks at their website and see why Phil is THE PERFECT candidate for your vote. Congrats to the other two for their nominations.
This as an awesome recognition, First Responders and Military put their lives on the line every day for our protection, defense and safety. We all take for granted their regular duties. I would rather see acknowlegement than any other professional group. Be Safe and take care!!!
Lt. Dave Szablewski retired Naperville F.D.
go Liz go—- were voting for you, Dee (APO)
First of all what a great honor for all three!! They are all incredible heroes in their own rights and will still be heroes no matter the outcome herein! Congratulations to all three and THANK YOU!! You all continue to show the true American spirit as you not only work hard for your communities but you openly display your caring for the individual members of your community! May God bless you and keep you safe as you continue to protect, serve, and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for others!!
all three are dedicated deserving candidates, But Phil is not going only above and beyond in his regular paid job, at OK he has created and driven incredible results and that are on top of his " day job" successes and for no additional pay…..Like I said, all three are awesome…but you can only vote for one!
I have the pleasure of saying Liz is a friend whom I've known for over 34 yrs. She is extremely humble & giving, which makes her nomination even more deserving. The Aurora community got a "gem" when the dept got her.
Congrats to all those nominated, I salute you!!!
I have known Elizabeth for over 20 years and she is one of the most dedicated, loyal and hard-working women I have ever known. She is a true inspiration to me and the many others whos' lives she has touched in her special way. You are our hometown hero. Congratulations on your nonimation!
Good luck!
All three canidates sound amazing! Phil has done an incredible job getting this organzation going with his brother and getting the community involved in it. He has devoted his life to making sure these challenged adults continue to learn and grow as individuals. Best of luck to all three.
Congrats Phil!