Family meets Kaitlyn’s hero

The only other time Joel “Jay” Arnier and Trisha Schuler saw each other, there was no time for introductions.

Schuler’s 1-year-old daughter was near death after falling into the Fox River steps from the family’s home in McHenry. Arnier, an off-duty Addison firefighter-paramedic, was fishing nearby when he heard Schuler’s panicked cries for help. His actions on the afternoon of May 11 saved Kaitlyn Winoker’s life.

“The first time we met was for about 10 seconds,” Schuler said. “We weren’t introduced last time.”

But on Friday, Schuler and her little girl got the chance to meet Arnier during an awards ceremony by the McHenry County sheriff’s department. Sheriff Keith Nygren presented Arnier, 53, with a Citizens Lifesaving Award.

“This is about the third one we have given out in my tenure,” the longtime sheriff said. “We don’t give it out lightly. He truly is a hero. He saved that little girl’s life. He knew exactly what to do, and he did it.”

With Kaitlyn in her arms, Schuler hugged Arnier and thanked him for being on the river when she needed him.

“It shows that people do care,” Schuler said. “He could have kept on going right by and said, ‘I am off duty.’ But he knew it was his job, what he was trained for.”

Arnier, who received a plaque, medal and a Challenge Coin, jested that Kaitlyn needed to learn how to swim, but he added that water safety is essential when living so close to the river.

“It was very exciting, but I don’t want to repeat it again,” Arnier said. “If anything of that nature happens, and I am in the same position, I am going to do the same thing. I am glad I was able to help ... and I am glad the outcome was so successful.”