State Senator Erica Harriss recognized 15 outstanding individuals from across the Metro East during her Second Annual First Responders Appreciation Event on Wednesday, October 28, in honor of National First Responders Day.
Held in partnership with The Outlet Event Center in Edwardsville, the event brought together first responders, their families, and colleagues for an evening of appreciation and recognition.
“Our first responders show up for us every single day, often during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Senator Harriss. “This event is about taking the time to recognize the people behind the uniforms and the difference they’re making right here in our communities. Each of these honorees has gone above and beyond, and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to thank them and their families for the sacrifices they make.”
The 15 honorees were nominated by their respective departments for their exceptional service and dedication to their communities.
The 2026 honorees included:
Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Vann
Edwardsville Fire Department
Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Vann is recognized for exceptional initiative and leadership in advancing emergency medical care for the Edwardsville community. His work implementing new patient-care technology, expanding medication capabilities, securing a portable ultrasound, and helping bring lifesaving Cyanokit treatment to the region has strengthened emergency response throughout the Metro East. His innovation, persistence, and commitment to exceptional patient care exemplify the very best of the fire service.
Detective Jacob Custer
Alton Police Department
Detective Jacob Custer is recognized for his dedicated service as School Resource Officer at Mark Twain School, where he consistently demonstrates professionalism, leadership, and character. Through his commitment to students, families, and public service, he provides a trusted and positive presence for young people who may have few such influences in their lives. His compassion and example embody the very best of community policing.
Captain Steven Sowders
Alton Fire Department
Captain Steven Sowders is recognized for his lifesaving response to a cardiac arrest, working alongside Engineer Jacob Schwegel and fellow crews to provide critical treatment and medications that revived the patient. His decisive action, exceptional poise, and professionalism under tremendous pressure were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome. His service reflects the skill, courage, and dedication at the heart of the fire service.
Engineer Jacob Schwegel
Alton Fire Department
Engineer Jacob Schwegel is recognized for his lifesaving response to a cardiac arrest, working alongside Captain Steven Sowders and fellow crews to provide critical treatment and medications that revived the patient. His decisive action, exceptional poise, and professionalism under tremendous pressure were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome. His service reflects the skill, courage, and dedication at the heart of the fire service.
Captain Michael Flatt
Hartford Fire Department
Michael Flatt is recognized for extraordinary dedication to the Hartford Fire Department and the community it serves. Whether answering calls at any hour, supporting community events, or assisting citizens and patients with knowledge, compassion, and empathy, he consistently goes above and beyond. His dependability and commitment to service exemplify the spirit of a first responder.
Sergeant Jordan Lind
Bethalto Police Department
Sergeant Jordan Lind is recognized for extraordinary courage, leadership, compassion, and service to the Bethalto community. From apprehending dangerous offenders and demonstrating restraint during volatile situations to assisting vulnerable residents with dignity and care, he consistently exemplifies sound judgment and servant leadership. His remarkable record of service, professionalism, and dedication reflects great credit upon the Bethalto Police Department and the community he serves.
Captain Lauren Clendenen
South Roxana Fire Department
Captain Lauren Clendenen is recognized for dedicated service, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to professional growth. Through her service as both a firefighter and South Roxana police officer, she has demonstrated an exceptional devotion to protecting and serving her community. Her commitment across two public safety roles exemplifies the spirit of service honored on National First Responders Day.
Captain Derrick Masulla
South Roxana Fire Department
Captain Derrick Masulla is recognized for his dedication to professional growth and continued service in the fire service. Building on five years with the Roxana Fire Department, he has continued his commitment at South Roxana while beginning service as a refinery firefighter and pursuing advanced training through the Illinois Fire Service Institute. His drive to strengthen his skills reflects a commendable commitment to protecting others and serving his community.
Sergeant Brandon Shellenberg
Granite City Police Department
Sergeant Brandon Shellenberg is recognized for extraordinary lifesaving action while off duty on August 25, 2026. Upon learning that a gym patron was unconscious and not breathing, he immediately called 911 and began CPR, helping the individual survive the cardiac event and make a full recovery. Medical personnel credited his swift intervention with saving the man’s life, exemplifying the readiness and selfless service of a first responder.
Fire Prevention & Life Safety Educator Sara Stockstorm
O’Fallon Fire Department
Fire Prevention & Life Safety Educator Sara Stockstorm is recognized for transforming fire and life safety education through innovative uses of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence. Her leadership in Community Risk Reduction has earned recognition from state and national public safety organizations while creating engaging learning experiences for children and adults. Her creativity, leadership, and commitment to sharing her expertise are advancing public safety in O’Fallon and beyond.
Forensic Interviewer Supervisor Jennifer Kampwerth
Madison County Child Advocacy Center
Forensic Interviewer Supervisor Jennifer Kampwerth is recognized for 15 years of dedicated service to children and families and for extending her expertise across Illinois. As a mentor and Child First faculty member, she trains professionals in the specialized techniques required to interview children about victimization with care and professionalism. Her leadership helps ensure these sensitive interviews meet the highest standards while giving vulnerable children a safe and effective voice.
Advocate Supervisor & MDT Coordinator Sherri Sanford
Madison County Child Advocacy Center
Advocate Supervisor & MDT Coordinator Sherri Sanford is recognized for nine years of dedicated service to children and families and for her leadership in strengthening the center’s advocacy program. She works to ensure families have access to critical resources while providing multidisciplinary partners with valuable training and support. Her compassion and leadership strengthen the network of professionals serving some of the community’s most vulnerable children.
Telecommunicator Steven Harper
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Telecommunicator Steven Harper is recognized for exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to public safety. As lead trainer for the 911/Communications Division, he has helped strengthen dispatcher training and prepare those who serve as the first voice residents hear in moments of crisis. His EMD-Q certification and work reviewing 9-1-1 calls further demonstrate his commitment to accountability, excellence, and high-quality emergency communications throughout Madison County.
Fire Chief Brendan McKee
Edwardsville Fire Department
Fire Chief Brendan McKee is recognized for exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the Edwardsville Fire Department and community. Through organizational improvement, professional development, and operational excellence, he has strengthened the department, fostered collaboration, and invested in the next generation of fire service leaders. His integrity, accountability, and commitment to his personnel and community exemplify distinguished public service.
Deputy Ryan Fry
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Ryan Fry is recognized for compassionate leadership and dedicated service as School Resource Officer at Alton High School and as the Madison County Sheriff’s Office’s defensive tactics expert. By building trusted relationships with students, staff, and families, he has strengthened school safety and confidence in law enforcement, while his instruction helps prepare fellow deputies to protect both officers and the public. His combination of mentorship, professionalism, and leadership exemplifies the courage, service, and dedication honored on National First Responders Day.
Senator Harriss also expressed her appreciation to The Outlet Event Center for its partnership in hosting the annual event and the Edwardsville FFA student volunteers who helped make the evening possible.
Additional photos from the event, can be found and used from here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrZVv6fD3/
