Barrington firefighters honored for saving driver of an overturned truck

Several Barrington firefighters received recognition at this week’s village board meeting for saving the life of the driver of an overturned truck late last year.

Firefighters responded Oct. 8, 2025 to a rollover accident at Dundee and Barrington Roads. A fully loaded gravel truck had overturned, trapping the driver inside the severely crushed cab.

Fire Chief John Christian told the board Monday night responders stabilized the overturned truck, gained access to the cab and provided advanced life support while the man remained trapped with his head and upper body pinned beneath the wreckage.

“This required precise coordination between fire suppression, extrication and EMS personnel,” Christian said.

Once the man was freed, advanced life support continued as he was transferred to an awaiting medical helicopter for airlifting to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Christian said the man sustained extensive and life threatening traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures, internal bleeding and significant head and facial trauma. Christian said he was released from the hospital after a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and is expected to make a full recovery.

Honored were Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Kelly, Firefighter/Paramedic Maximo Garcia, Assistant Chief Mike Brown, Firefighter/Paramedic Vince Murphy, Firefighter/Paramedic Ashley Kuffner, Firefighter/Paramedic Simi Ippolito and Firefighter/Paramedic Cameron Dunleavy.

“Realizing that our fire department staff work hard In our community every day, this particular incident was certainly one that was very challenging,” Fire Chief John Christian said.

The board thanked the firefighter/paramedics for their efforts.

“It’s a miracle,” said Trustee Jennifer Wondrasek. “You saved this gentleman’s life.”