The area's Mutual Aid Box Alarm System recently honored 18 members of the Ottawa River Rescue squad who answered the call for help on Tuesday, April 20, 2004. That was the day Utica was devastated by a tornado

During a ceremony at the River Rescue headquarters along the Illinois River in Ottawa, River Rescue Member Randy Phelps read a letter from MABAS before giving each man a Humanitarian Service Award Certificate, a ribbon and a medal for their efforts as Utica responders.

Ottawa River Rescue Capt. Frank Mennie remembers that night very well. It was 6:10 p.m. when the tornado struck Utica. He and his team members were driving into Utica from the north side and arriving in the village about 6:30 p.m.

"I'll never forget the sight," Mennie told The Times. "The destruction that tornado did to the whole town, to see it all as we were driving down the hill, to see the destruction to the Milestone Tavern where eight people died, well, it's just something you never forget."

"There were so many units helping out," Mennie continued. "We went house to house to make sure people were safe, help those that needed help and to prevent anyone from trespassing. We started around 6:30 p.m. and as we worked it got harder because of course, there was no power or electricity. But somehow we made sure that everyone who needed help got it."

Mennie said their team paged out like all the other departments in the area when notified by MABAS.

"Whenever something major happens, MABAS notifies the different departments in the area and departments respond with equipment and manpower. Some of the men that received the awards today are current members. Some are retired and coming back for this honor."

The Ottawa River Rescue is made up of up to 50 members who train not only with CPR and first aid but train on and learn to read the river. The intense nature of their training shows. In the organization's 52-year existence, not one member has ever been seriously injured during service.

"Sure, we'll have bumps and bruises, but no one has ever been seriously hurt during a rescue," member Tony Anderson said.

"We are all volunteers who work 24-7 to help people all year long," Anderson continued. "We answer canyon calls (Starved Rock area), boating accidents and drownings. Our main rescue is body recovery. Many times law enforcement will call us for help. We'll take them out on the river and offer other help when it's needed."

"It's all about bringing closure to the family involved," Anderson said. "It's our job to bring the lost ones home."

Lost ones include not only people but animals and boats too. "Many times we'll rescue people and their things when a boat overturns," Mennie said. "And if everything on the boat was waterproofed, we'll find that too."

Both men agree that finding children is the worst scenario. "We really do grieve when we find a child," Anderson said. "Many times we'll come back and talk. It's a very hard situation to deal with."

It's the sacrifice that River Rescue members give that is understood the least, sometimes until it's explained. Anderson tried to clarify how important the job is and how heartfelt the organization's members feel about the job they do.

"One night I was going out with my family. We were all dressed and walking out the door when I got the page. My wife looked at me and told me to go. Well, unfortunately, it was a situation that did not have a good ending. When I got back to my family, my brothers couldn't believe that I left them like that. My wife looked at them and said, 'What if it was your child that needed help?' I think that gave them a new perspective on what Ottawa River Rescue is about."

"We're just a good group of men and women who know the river and are willing to teach what we know," he continued. "And we will always respond to a call for help, 110 percent when needed."

The organization, strictly volunteer, depends solely on donations to pay for all expenses. The teams answers calls within a 50-mile radius.

Mennie has been with River Rescue for 37 years; Anderson has over 12 years experience.

"I grew up along the Fox River," Anderson said. "When I got older I knew that this is what I wanted to do."

Mennie said that awards are appreciated but not necessary. "We don't need or expect an award to do any of the things that we do. We help because we want to do it. It's in our blood."

"This type of disaster can happen anywhere and we will always be here to help," he continued. "But our hearts went out to the people of Utica that day and even now, when we think about that day, our hearts still are with them."

Ottawa River Rescue Squad members who were honored by MABAS:

Frank Mennie, Tony Anderson, Tony Rogowski, Mark Clinch, Jim Sibert, Jeremy Sibert, Ray Sibert, Dave Long, Steve Vatland, Ron Saager, Jason Ruff, Josh Rudnicky, Brian Brenbarger, Brad Smith, Bill Cairns, Bill Barth, Dusten Wilson, Jim Harmon and Greg Nelson.




Ottawa River Rescuer's Prayer

On Thursday, Nov. 5, longtime Ottawa River Rescue Capt. Bill Stevens died. The members of Ottawa River Rescue deeply miss the man who helped create the organization in 1957.

“The training we do today is thanks to Captain Stevens,” squad member Tony Anderson told The Times. “He instilled so much into what the entire organization does today. He is the reason we have never had a member seriously hurt in 52 years.”

As to why Ottawa River Rescue exists why the men and women of the squad do what they do, Anderson, one of the 18 members who were recently awarded a Humanitarian Service Certificate, medal and ribbon from MABAS for their efforts following the Utica tornado, wrote "The River Rescuer's Prayer."

“My captain, Frank Mennie read this poem and it meant a lot to Bill,” Anderson said. “Our job is always about bringing the lost home.”

The following is the poem: 

"I am a River Rescuer. At the sound of our tone our adrenaline starts to run high. Knowing that in the end we may be breathing a heavy sigh. For sometimes we are too late. Please God, give me the courage and the strength to do the best that I can for those unable to do for themselves. Guide me as I guide through the waters that you have created. Help me bring relief to the families that count on me. Give me the comfort that I can do my duties to the best of my ability. With the help of my team, my job is to bring those who are lost home. For I am a River Rescuer. Amen."