Elwood Boy Honored for Lifesaving 911 Call
By Stephanie Irvine
Ten-year-old Trenton Richmond received several awards at the July 17 Elwood Village Board meeting for a 911 call he made in May that saved his grandfather.
Trenton was spending the day on May 18 at his grandfather’s home in Elwood, when his grandfather, Steve Friebele, mentioned he hadn’t been feeling well. When Friebele became unresponsive, Trenton knew exactly what to do to get help.
“They had been talking about it a lot at school,” said Trenton of knowing what to do when calling 911. He’ll be a 6th grader at Elwood School in the fall.
When asked if he was scared when he made the call, Trenton said no. His priority was staying calm.
“Dealing with 911 emergencies is stressful for everyone,” Wescom’s Executive Director Mike O’Connor said, explaining that when in crisis, it’s not uncommon for grown adults to panic. But 10-year-old Trenton was unrattled.
“On May 18, shortly after 11 a.m. when Trenton dialed 911, he was one of the most calm people we’ve ever heard, and that’s the honest truth. I’ve listened to the call many times,” O’Connor said of the call.
O’Connor explained Trenton was able to verify his address and answer questions about his grandfather’s condition through emergency medical dispatch while medics were en route.
The Elwood Fire Protection District was on the scene in under three minutes.
“The initial call is what sets everything in motion,” Elwood Fire Chief Chris Locacius said of Trenton and the actions of the dispatcher who took the call.
“They’re [dispatchers] almost like a lifeline for us. To say that they go above and beyond is an understatement,” said Locacius, who praised Wescom dispatch, noting they were able to get the information needed for emergency personnel to provide the best care on the scene.
Elwood Fire Protection Disrict’s Nick George, Chris Collins and Nick May responded to the call. Locacius recognized them for their work on the call and noted they had nothing but good things to say about Trenton and how he handled the emergency.
“They’re [dispatch is] keeping him calm and cool, and then we get there, and he walked our guys in. He knew where to go. He’s contacting family members,” Locacius said of Trenton’s actions when they arrived.
At the July 17 board meeting, Trenton was publicly praised and received several awards for his bravery and courage during his family member’s time of need.
Trenton received the first-ever 911 Hero award from the Elwood Fire Protection District, an “Above and Beyond Honorary Superhero” certificate from the Village of Elwood, an award from Wescom Emergency Dispatch, and an award signed by Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch, and Clerk John Hollman of the 103rd General Assembly.
In addition to the awards, Richmond received a T-shirt from the Fire Protection District and a goodie bag from Wescom.
“May you always be bold and daring but never cease to be caring,” Mayor Doug Jenco read of the Honorary Superhero award presented on behalf of the village.
Locacius also noted he had received several emails about the call about Trenton’s calm demeanor and bravery during the call. Though Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood was not present to personally recognize Richmond, he offered a statement to be read.
“In recognition of his exceptional bravery in crisis and quick thinking that led him to call 911 when his 71-year-old grandfather suffered a major medical issue.
“In gratitude to Trenton for helping guide first responders to his location while keeping the family dog from interfering during treatment. He wishes to extend his appreciation to Trenton for remaining calm in the face of danger,” Jenco read on behalf of Walsh.
“I’m very proud that a kid his age had enough common sense to call,” Jenco said. He also expressed gratitude to the Elwood Fire Protection District.
“I’m doing good now,” Friebele said, no doubt thanks to his quick-thinking grandson.
“It ended up being a good outcome,” said Locacius.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
Elwood Mayor Doug Jenco congratulates Trenton Richmond. (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)
Wescom’s Executive Director Mike O’Connor Elwood Fire Chief Chris Locacius and Elwood Mayor Doug Jenco pose with Trenton Richmond and his award.