THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008
Quick-To-React Construction Workers Honored By Fire Dept.
The Palatine Fire Dept. last week recognized the role of two construction workers in saving the life of another co-worker.
The two were awarded certificates of merit during a brief ceremony at Palatine Fire Station 82, 1475 N. Hicks Rd.
On Thursday, July 24, at 8 a.m., Robert Chapman of Deal Construction suffered a medical emergency that caused him to lose consciousness while working on a scaffold about 25 ft. above the ground.
Working with him was his uncle, Doug Chapman, who immediately recognized the severity of the situation and managed to initially hold him from falling from the narrow scaffold.
On the ground, their colleague Bill O'Brien saw what was happening and quickly scaled the ladder to assist Doug in supporting his nephew until the arrival of firefighters.
According to fire officials, without the "quick" actions of Doug and Bill, Robert Chapman would have fallen to the ground, causing severe injuries.
Due to the positioning on the scaffold, initial responding firefighters called for additional special units to assist in the rescue.
According to fire officials, in a situation such as this, quick actions on the part of witnesses to an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.
The Palatine Fire Dept. recognized Chapman and O'Brien for their quick thinking and rapid action on that day.