SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, honored Highland first-responders Thursday at the Capitol in recognition of their life saving work to rescue an infant from freezing waters earlier this year.

“Without these first-responders, an innocent life would have been lost,” Stuart said. “It’s important to recognize the hard-working first-responders who consistently put their lives on the line every day to help us in times of need.”

Highland paramedics Todd Zobrist and Ty Barr, along with police officers Aric Steinbeck, Shawn Bland, Heather Kunz and Chris Clewis were honored by a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Charles Meier, R-Okawville, and Stuart for their actions to save an infant in a partially submerged SUV. Upon arriving on scene, Zobrist dove into the life-threatening cold waters to find an unresponsive infant floating in the water. Zobrist performed CPR on the baby, whose life was saved from the care and attention it received from Zobrist and other officials.

Meier and Stuart’s resolution to honor the live-saving officials was adopted by the Illinois House of Representatives Thursday.

State Rep. Katie Stuart (middle) joins Highland first-responders and their families Thursday at the Illinois State Capitol.

Rep Katie StuartRep Katie Stuart

(D-Edwardsville)
112th District

Springfield Office:
250-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL   62706
(217) 782-8018
(217) 782-0882 FAX

District Office:
2105 Vandalia St.
Unit #16
Collinsville, IL 62234

Phone: (618) 365-6650