| Name: | Joseph Schrage |
| Gender: | Male |
| Agency: | Highland Park Fire Department |
| Type of Firefighter: | Career |
| Rank: | Chief |
| Type of Duty: | Firefighting operations |
| Type of Award: | Medal of Valor |
| Year of Award: | 2023 |
| Incident City: | Highland Park |
| Year of Incident: | 2022 |
| Incident Location Type: | Commercial |
| Incident Attribute: |
On July 4, 2022, at 10:14 a.m. a gunman opened fire on the Independence Day parade participants and attendees in downtown Highland Park, IL. The attack took place just 15 minutes after the parade began, seven people were killed, and 48 others were wounded.
The Highland Park Fire and Police Department took quick, life-saving actions to treat victims and safely evacuate attendees. Firefighters that were in the parade, assigned to work during the parade, and off-duty all immediately arrived at the scene to begin helping those in need.
The Highland Park Fire Department has continued to assist the city and its residents in recovery and resiliency since the incident.
Highland Park Fire Chief Joseph Schrage was awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions during the Highland Park parade shooting on July 4, 2022.
Fire Chief Schrage was in the parade, driving an antique fire engine filled with the fire department’s family members. Chief Schrage was near the end of the parade route when the shooting began, allowing him to quickly drive the vehicle and its passengers to safety at Station 33 before returning to the active shooter scene in his department vehicle. Working alongside the Highland Park Police Department and the Acting Battalion Chief Salazar, Chief Schrage’s initial roles were Incident Safety Officer, IFERN communications, and EMS Transport. After ensuring all viable victims were evacuated, Chief Schrage ordered remaining personnel to return to Station 33. Upon arrival, command roles were redistributed, and Chief Schrage joined the EOC Command.
Citations:
Highland Park Fire Department
7th Person Dies Day After Highland Park Parade Mass Shooting.
NBC Chicago, www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/7th-person-dies-day-after-highland-park-parade-mass-shooting/2873971.