Lombard plow drivers help clear way for rescues

Sometimes, snowplow drivers do more than plow snow.

Such was the case in Lombard, where drivers helped with other emergencies in the course of their 12-hour shifts during this week’s blizzard.

“One plow operator assisted the Glen Ellyn Fire Department on an ambulance call to (Advocate) Good Samaritan (Hospital),” said Carl Goldsmith, Lombard’s director of public works. “Through his efforts, the man is still alive.”

Public works employee Chris Bohnert used his plow to clear the way for a Glen Ellyn ambulance carrying the man to make it to the hospital, according to reports.

Public works employees Dan Colpo and Bryan Bartels also assisted in clearing the way Wednesday morning for paramedics to reach a woman who was in labor at Clover Creek Apartments.

Two other snowplow drivers cleared the path for the fire department to reach a patient in north Lombard, according to reports.

“A storm of this nature inconveniences residents and all of our employees but our main objective is always to provide for the safety and welfare of our residents,” Village President Bill Mueller said in a news release. “These are just a few examples that occurred in our community.”

Goldsmith said he was glad his staff brought in some feel-good stories while they were out clearing snow.

The village has crews of between 13 and 18 people working 12-hour shifts to clear roads. By the 9 a.m. shift change, Goldsmith said most priority streets were passable, such as Main Street, North Avenue and St. Charles Road.

Goldsmith said he hopes crews will have neighborhood streets plowed 12 hours after the storm’s conclusion.