Coal City firefighter receives medal of honor

On Tuesday, May 14th, Firefighter/Paramedic William Perry of the Coal City Fire Protection District was awarded the State of Illinois Medal of Honor.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism by which the firefighter has demonstrated in a great degree the characteristics of selflessness and personal courage beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions with the possibility of extreme personal risk.
This was awarded due to Firefighter Perry's actions while off duty in June 2023. While returning home from picking up his children, he was alerted to a structure fire that he would be passing by.
He stopped and observed a residential building with no smoke showing. When approaching the house, he heard glass breaking in the back of the house. After opening the front door, he found smoke throughout the house.
Firefighter Perry announced himself, hearing a male respond saying he was stuck in a chair. At great risk to himself, Firefighter Perry entered the home in his street clothes and removed the man to the front of the house to the arriving firefighter/paramedics. Perry attempted to enter the home a second time but, due to smoke conditions, was not able to.
“Had Firefighter Peery not acted that day as he did, the event would have been more tragic than it already was.” Fire Chief Jim Seerup continued, “We are proud of Billy and all of his actions.”