| Name: | Michael Schmidt |
| Gender: | Male |
| Agency: | Highland Park Fire Department |
| Type of Firefighter: | Career |
| Rank: | Firefighter |
| Type of Duty: | Emergency medical care, Firefighting operations, Search and rescue 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 who 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 Firefighter Michael Schmidt was awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions during the Highland Park parade shooting on July 4, 2022.
Firefighter Schmidt was assigned to Tower Ladder 33, which was in the parade. Tower Ladder 33 had just arrived back at the station when they were informed of multiple victims. They drove through the fire station bay and straight back to the scene. Upon arrival, Firefighter Schmidt grabbed medical equipment and began providing care to the victims. He enlisted a citizen physician to help assist in caring for the wounded. Firefighter Schmidt packed wounds, tied tourniquets, and assisted in loading patients for transport. He then helped search and clear out buildings where victims were hiding and evacuated patients from the hot zone.
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.