Aurora firefighters recognized for saving boy's life

Two firefighters and three paramedics who worked together to save a 3-year-old's life were recognized this week as Aurora's firefighters of the year.

Lt. Jack Westphall, fire Pvt. Randy Durham and paramedics Jeremy Allway, Dave Heinke and Ray Torres all responded to a Nov. 8 call of a boy found in a swimming pool unconscious and not breathing, city officials said.

The paramedics used life-support techniques in the yard in the 200 block of Hampshire Avenue and on the way to Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. They transported the child to the hospital in 12 minutes.

The boy later was airlifted to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and survived the near-drowning incident.

Aurora police officers Joe Orosco and Pete Rodriguez were first on the scene and performed CPR on the child.

The boy's family attended an Exchange Club of Aurora luncheon Tuesday and said they are optimistic he will live a healthy and productive life after therapy and rehabilitation.

Other fire officials nominated for the 2010 firefighter of the year award include Matt Anslow, Kevin Becker, Javan Cross, Jeff Kerley, Steve Koeberl, Mark Long, Jason Mosshamer, Tim Pogue, Scott Schuster, Andrew Smith, Ricardo Torres and Luanne Whitmer.