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Steeleville native honored for heroism on duty as EMT

BY BECKY MALKOVICH, The Southern

Thursday, May 29, 2008 11:07 AM CDT

STEELEVILLE -- A man with local ties was honored Wednesday with an Emergency Medical Services Award for an "heroic act of courage," according to a press release from the state Department of Public Health.

Patrick Bierman, whose parents Paula and Jerry Bierman live in Steeleville, was one of 16 people to receive the award from Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director.

Bierman and Lydia Cravens, who both work for MedStar ambulance in the MetroEast, responded to a call of a double shooting in Washington Park on May 19. While transporting one of the victims to the hospital, a car pulled along side the ambulance and a suspect fired at least seven shots into the ambulance.

Bierman was driving at the time and was hit by two bullets, one in the arm and the other in the chest. Bierman managed to safely pull to the side of the road where Cravens was able to quickly assess Bierman's wounds, apply pressure and drive the ambulance to the hospital.

"Emergency workers put their lives on the line everyday and deserve our recognition," said Dr. Arnold. "That's what these awards are all about – saying thank you to men and women who selflessly respond to help people who need it."