Twin Lakes and Randall Honored by Flight for Life

Flight for Life McHenry arrives at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Flight for Life of McHenry honored the Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad for its actions in responding to a call on January 13, 2009 involving three Wilmot High School girls. Instead of a tragic outcome, the multi-jurisdictional emergency response effort was recognized as the Scene Call of the Year for a combination department. The base recognizes a full-time and combination department each year.

The award ceremony was preceded by a fly-in from the Flight for Life helicopter in the parking lot of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Twin lakes.

The afternoon crash on that frigid day occurred after Katelyn Tarpey’s vehicle spun across the slippery road on Highway F, east of Bassett and struck a tree. Passengers Briana Swanson and Megan Zein were extricated from the vehicle, in an intense effort that took nearly an hour.

With the assistance of Twin Lakes Police Dispatch, Kenosha County joint Services, Twin Lakes Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, Randall Fire Department, Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Silver Lake Rescue Squad, Richmond Fire and Rescue, Salem Fire and Rescue, Flight for Life McHenry and Flight for Life Waukesha, the three girls survived and were present for the ceremony.

The intense training, work, and dedication of the rescue workers and law enforcement brought the departments together to assess the scene, coordinate and manage the difficult situation stated, Tammy Chatman, Public Information Officer for Flight for Life McHenry.

“Everyone came together and worked as a team,” she said. “We thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to your community.”

Both Twin Lakes and Randall Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squads were presented with plaques, and Flight for Life Landing Zone kits. Additionally, Flight for Life presented a $500 educational grant to be used for a scholarship for a high school graduate going into Emergency Medical Service.

Briana Swanson has a tearful reunion with Patty Mitchell, her flight nurse. According to Patty, it isn't often she gets to hug one of her patients.

Megan Zeien, Katelyn Tarpey, Patty Mitchell, and Briana Swanson on a much happier day

Jim Singer and Patty Mitchell of Flight for Life present awards to Twin Lakes Fire Chief Stan Clause and Randall Fire Chief Matt Gronke.

Impressive Rescue Team and the three young ladies