Hanover Park firefighters commended for water rescue efforts

The 18 crew members from the Hanover Park Fire Department who responded to a reported drowning in DuPage County Forest Preserve's Deep Quarry Lake Feb. 28 were honored last week for their leadership and cooperation in attempting the ice rescue.

Bartlett resident Leon Gonzalez was walking on the frozen Deep Quarry Lake when he fell through the ice the evening of Feb. 28. Despite the brave efforts of the firefighters, Gonzalez was pronounced dead later that evening after crews pulled him from the chilly lake.

Hanover Park Fire Chief Craig Haigh said he is "incredibly proud" of the team, including Assistant Fire Chief Ken Zaccard, who received a gold star in recognition.

"The coordination and the efforts of this team is hands down one of the finest examples of a water rescue operation that I've ever been involved with," Haigh said.

Firefighter Pete Rossberg, dressed in water rescue gear and tethered to a rescue rope, was the first to enter the water, followed by firefighter-paramedic Paul Lanctot and firefighter-EMT John Stallings.

"The emergency responders on scene gave the victim the best possible chance for survival. Unfortunately, circumstances outside of their control prevented such an outcome," Haigh said.