| Name: | John Wodzisz |
| Gender: | Male |
| Agency: | Chicago Fire Department |
| Type of Firefighter: | Career |
| Rank: | Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician |
| Type of Duty: | Water rescue operations |
| Type of Award: | Medal of Honor |
| Year of Award: | 2013 |
| Incident City: | Chicago |
| Year of Incident: | 2012 |
| Incident Location Type: | Water/Waterfront |
| Incident Attribute: |
Paramedic In Charge John Wodzisz and Paramedic Sergio Moreno of the Chicago Fire Department were awarded the Medal of Honor for their efforts to rescue two victims from Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois on May 24, 2012.
At 6:00PM, Ambulance 56 was called to Touhy and the Chicago Lake Front where two victims were stranded, hanging on a break wall about 70 to 80 feet from shore. Despite high winds and cool waters, Paramedic in Charge Wodzisz and Paramedic Moreno braved the elements and swam to the victims without any of their protective gear on. They were able to bring the two victims to safety.
Citations:
“Heroism & Community Service Awards,” Firehouse, April, 2013.
“Valor Awards,” 100 Club of Chicago, 2012.