Two Normal firefighters will be honored with the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Valor during a May 12 ceremony in Springfield, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced.
Lt. Matt Hill and Firefighter-Paramedic Nathan Riordan are being recognized for their actions during a fast-moving mobile home fire on Nov. 2, 2025, at Northmeadow Village. Facing heavy fire and reports of a trapped child, the pair breached an exterior wall and entered without a hose line, locating and rescuing an unresponsive child from a rear bedroom.
Despite immediate medical efforts, the child later died from injuries. The family expressed gratitude for the rescue and included firefighters in an honor walk prior to organ donation. Fire Chief Mick Humer said the firefighters’ actions exemplify the highest standards of courage and gave the child “every possible chance.”
