10/14/2026
GRUNDY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY RECOGNIZED WITH MEDAL OF VALOR AND LIFESAVING AWARD
Sheriff Ken Briley and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office are proud to recognize Deputy Chad Hrechko for his extraordinary bravery, selfless actions, and commitment to preserving human life during a residential structure fire in Morris, Illinois.
For his heroic actions, Deputy Hrechko has being honored with two of the department’s distinguished awards: the Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award.
On May 29, 2026, Deputy Hrechko responded to a structure fire at a residence in the 1000 block of Armstrong Street in Morris. Upon learning that a bedridden resident with both legs amputated below the knee was trapped inside the burning home, Deputy Hrechko immediately took action.
Recognizing the imminent danger to the resident's life, Deputy Hrechko forced entry into the smoke-filled residence and began searching for the victim. Despite rapidly deteriorating conditions, intense smoke, and severely limited visibility, he located the resident and began efforts to remove him from the burning structure.
During the rescue attempt, Deputy Hrechko sustained multiple dog bites to his legs. Despite his injuries, he continued working to free the resident and move him toward safety. As smoke conditions worsened, Deputy Hrechko became disoriented and was eventually forced to exit the structure.
Rather than abandon the rescue, Deputy Hrechko made the decision to re-enter the burning residence, once again placing his own life in danger in an effort to save another.
Working alongside responding officers from the Morris Police Department, Deputy Hrechko continued the rescue efforts, resulting in the successful removal of the trapped resident from the burning home.
As a result of his actions, Deputy Hrechko suffered dog bite injuries and smoke inhalation, requiring medical evaluation and treatment.
The Medal of Valor recognizes extraordinary bravery involving an imminent risk of serious injury or death, where an employee voluntarily places themselves in exceptional danger while performing actions beyond the reasonable expectations of duty.
The Lifesaving Award recognizes actions that directly contribute to saving a human life through immediate intervention, decisive judgment, and extraordinary effort.
Deputy Hrechko's actions exemplify the very purpose of both awards. His willingness to repeatedly place himself in harm's way, even after sustaining injuries and encountering life-threatening conditions, demonstrated exceptional courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Sheriff Ken Briley stated:
"Deputy Hrechko's actions represent the very best of what it means to serve in law enforcement. Faced with an extremely dangerous situation, he made the decision to put another person's life ahead of his own. Even after being injured and forced out of the burning home, he refused to give up on someone who desperately needed help. His courage, determination, and selflessness are truly deserving of our highest recognition. We are extremely proud of Deputy Hrechko and grateful that he is a member of the Grundy County Sheriff's Office."
The Grundy County Sheriff's Office established its Awards and Recognition Program to formally recognize exceptional performance, extraordinary bravery, and acts of service that go beyond the normal expectations of duty.
Deputy Hrechko's actions serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers are willing to make to protect the lives of others, often without hesitation and at great personal risk.
Please join Sheriff Ken Briley and the members of the Grundy County Sheriff's Office in congratulating Deputy Chad P. Hrechko on receiving the Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award.
His actions bring great credit upon himself, the Grundy County Sheriff's Office, and the law enforcement profession.
