Two Normal firefighters will be recognized for their bravery during a fast-moving mobile home fire last November.
Lt. Matt Hill and firefighter-paramedic Nathan Riordan will receive the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Valor from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The medal honors firefighters who show courage, commitment and selflessness in life-threatening situations.
On Nov. 2, 2025, Hill and Riordan responded to a fire at Northmeadow Village Mobile Home Park in north Normal. A single-wide mobile home was fully involved in flames and a child was trapped inside.
Blocked from traditional entry points, Hill and Riordan breached an exterior wall to reach the bedroom. They entered the home without the protection of a hose line, braving extreme heat, smoke and worsening fire conditions. The firefighters removed the unresponsive child and began CPR while transporting the child to a hospital.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, doctors, and burn specialists, the child later died from their injuries.
“While the outcome of this incident was heartbreaking, the actions of Lt. Hill and firefighter-paramedic Riordan represent the very best of the fire service,” said Fire Chief Mick Humer. “They made a courageous decision to place themselves in extreme danger in an effort to save a child’s life.”
The child’s family requested that firefighters participate in an honor walk before the child’s organ donation, allowing the child’s legacy to help save and improve other lives.
The Medal of Valor will be presented May 12 in Springfield during the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor Ceremony.
