Lake Zurich firefighters who saved woman from icy pond honored by American Legion
Three Lake Zurich firefighters who rescued a woman who'd fallen through an iced-over retention pond while trying to save her sons were honored by men familiar with acts of heroism.
The American Legion Post 964 of Lake Zurich presented special commendations to the firefighters at a ceremony Thursday morning.
"This selfless act demonstrates your commitment to the duties and traditions of the Lake Zurich Fire Department and to the safety of the citizens of the Village of Lake Zurich," the awards said.
Lucia Feczko had gone out on the pond near her home on Dec. 26 after her two sons fell through the ice trying to rescue the family dog. By the time firefighters Justin Brooks, Jason Kraus and Lt. David Santoyo arrived, the boys and the dog were out of the pond, which is by the Hamilton Estates subdivision near Deer Park.
Feczko was submerged in the freezing muddy water about 50 feet from the shore. Kraus tied a rope around Brooks, who began making his way across the ice to Feczko. When he was about 5 feet from her, the ice suddenly gave way and Brooks plunged into the muck.
Brooks was able to grab Feczko and trudge over to a sturdy ice shelf. Once there, Feczko kicked her legs hard against the water, Kraus pulled the rope, and Brooks boosted Feczko up, according to the firefighters. At that point, she was able to get out of the water. Once Brooks lifted himself out, he and Feczko were dragged to shore by Kraus and Santoyo, leaving a streak of mud behind them across the ice.
Lake Zurich Fire Chief John Malcolm said it was the first time he'd had any of his men commended by the American Legion.
"It was a tremendous honor," Malcolm said. "The veterans who so proudly served our country took the time to recognize members of the fire department, and we can't thank them enough for their service to our country."