JANESVILLE — Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas “Nico” Autenrieth was honored Tuesday at the state capitol in Madison as part of First Responders Day.
He was acknowledged by Wisconsin State Representative for the 44th Assembly District Ann Roe for his exceptional service during a rescue in July in the Rock River.
The incident happened on the afternoon of July 14 when firefighters were conducting swiftwater rescue training with JFD recruits in the Rock River near the railroad bridge trestle located just south of Anglers Park in Janesville.
During preparations for another training exercise, retired JFD Lt. Dave Sheen and Firefighter Paramedic Ben Shelby saw a person in distress floating downstream.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Autenrieth jumped into action.
He immediately entered the water, wading approximately 20 yards before swimming toward the person in the water.
At the same time, FF/PM Chad Hopkins and FF/PM Ben Shelby entered the river with rope bags to provide support.
Autenrieth successfully reached and secured the victim, while FF/PM Hopkins and FF/PM Shelby deployed a rope and guided both safely back to the river right shoreline.
This coordinated effort, along with the dispatch of additional resources, including JFD Paramedics and Battalion 8, Rock County 911 Dispatch, and the Janesville Police Department led to a successful rescue.
The swift, decisive and selfless actions of FF/PM Nico Autenrieth directly contributed to saving this individual’s life, according to the commendation.
Autenrieth’s professionalism and commitment to duty exemplify the highest standards of the Janesville Fire Department.