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Black Hawk College recently honored area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.

Community members were invited to nominate first responders who have demonstrated a willingness to place their own lives at risk for others or have dedicated themselves to the service of others. Events/incidents that occurred in the 12 months prior to nomination were considered.

The college received 71 award nominations for the 2024 First Responder Awards. The awards and recipients are:

First Responder Hero Award
Officer Alex Kraus, Sterling Police Department

Certificate of Appreciation
Officer Justin Hackbarth, Sterling Police Department

2 people presenting award to a police officer

First Responder Agency of the Year Award
Rock Island Fire Department

college president presenting award to fire chief

Civilian First Responder Hero Award
Kelcey Duffield and Quinn Heron, Target employees

Certificate of Appreciation
Kyle Beale, Carley Behning, Hayley Keller, Zack Micklewright, Matt Mueller, Amanda Stockdale and Preston Woods, MEDIC EMS, and the Davenport Fire Department

4 people standing in front of pull-up banners and one holding award certificate

Read about the winners in the BHC First Responder Awards and Certificates of Appreciation 2024 nominations (PDF).

The awards were presented at the 5th Annual First Responders Appreciation & Criminal Justice Career Exploration Day at the Black Hawk College Quad-Cities Campus.

More than 200 high school and college students attended and were able to talk to representatives from more than 20 first-responder agencies about career opportunities. The event also included workshops related to first aid, safety on campus, internet safety and artificial intelligence in criminal justice.

View photos from the event on Facebook.

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