CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Two firefighters and an EMT were stabbed while responding to a mental health call, the city of Champaign said in a news release.
Champaign Police said at 9:40 p.m. on Sept. 4, first responders were dispatched to a location near Neil Street and Buena Vista Drive after a 23-year-old man called 911 reporting he was experiencing mental health concerns. Firefighters from the Champaign Fire Department and an EMT from Arrow Ambulance responded to assist.
| ANALYSIS: Preventing downstream consequences of EMS assaults
Just over 10 minutes later, personnel on scene called for immediate assistance over the radio, reporting an in-progress stabbing. Officers arrived to find two firefighters and an EMT suffering from serious stab wounds.
“Code one, code one. We’re getting stabbed. We need help, we need help here right away,” a first responder can be heard saying over the radio.
Police said a medical unit on scene was restraining the suspect, identified as Trevor Lewis, when officers arrived. Lewis, who was also bleeding from a laceration on his hand, was taken to a hospital before being arrested on three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery and one count of resisting arrest.
Interim Champaign Fire Chief Tyler Funk identified their injured members as Lt. Courtney Moravek and Firefighter Robert (Bobby) Poynton.
“In this case, as in many others, the heroic actions of our firefighters, paramedics and police officers prevented a more serious outcome,” Funk said in a Facebook post. “The Champaign Fire Department extends its heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to Lieutenant Courtney Moravek and Firefighter Robert (Bobby) Poynton.”
Champaign Mayor Deborah Feinen said on Sept. 5 that one firefighter and the EMT had been released from the hospital. The other firefighter remains hospitalized in stable condition.
“My prayers are with those who were injured, their families and our entire Champaign Fire Department family who are supporting them,” Feinen said in a statement posted to Facebook. “I want to thank all our heroic first responders who were involved in this call, including those who were injured while performing their duties, their fellow firefighters, Champaign Police and other law enforcement officers who responded, and our METCAD 9-1-1 telecommunicators.”
Arrow Ambulance, part of Carle Health, also confirmed that their EMT is recovering.
“The safety and well-being of every patient remains our highest priority, including, at times, our own team members,” said Laura Nootbaar, communications partner for Carle Health, in a statement to WCIA. “We’re relieved to share that the Arrow Ambulance team member injured in last night’s incident is recovering well. We’re proud of our relationship with organizations like the Champaign Fire Department, who share our commitment to the health and safety of our communities.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Officers are canvassing the surrounding area for witnesses and surveillance video. Residents with information are asked to call the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545.
Listen to Emily Hitchings and Greg Friese, in this episode of The Brief: Wellness Edition, discuss violence against first responders and the difficulty of getting help. Hitchings defines what it means to be a “culturally competent counselor” and the importance of counselors being trained to work specifically with first responders.
