Last Updated on November 24, 2016 by cassnetwork
A Logansport firefighter and a Logansport policeman who both were credited with lifesaving acts during 2016 will receive the first city awards recognizing their service to their departments and the city.
Mike Ott, a veteran firefighter, was credited along with Fire Chief Bernie Mittica in preventing the loss of a girl’s life last summer. The girl was rescued from rushing water in a dangerous area along the Eel River.
Andrew Strong, a police officer, was credited with saving the life of a Cass County man. Strong’s quick response to a man bleeding profusely led him to act quickly enough to apply a tourniquet.
Both men will receive their awards Friday at the beginning of the Light Up Logansport Parade, which starts at 7 p.m. The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety recognized both men with commendations earlier this year.
“At this time of year, we are particularly grateful for the people who, in the line of duty, often put others’ lives before their own, whether they are walking into a burning building or facing armed gunmen,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said. “It’s sometimes considered cliché to call our local police and firefighters heroes, but Mike Ott and Andrew Strong are two reasons why that’s true in Logansport. There are many others who were nominated by the public that also were deserving and that is no exaggeration.”
The mayor said it was apparent from the nominations his office received that local residents appreciate the job police and firefighters are doing, from training younger firefighters and remaining on their departments after they are eligible for retirement, to working on drug investigation cases and representing the city on and off duty.
“On this Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for our public safety people,” Kitchell said. “Logansport is truly blessed to have men who are committed to public safety careers and are brave enough to do whatever has to be done.”
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell