09/16/2026
🚒 A Very Special Day for Willow Springs
Today was an incredibly proud day for the Willow Springs Fire Department and our community.
I had the honor of nominating Jennifer Martin for the Missouri Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award, recognizing her courageous actions when a young boy fell through the ice on a frozen pond.
Today, Jennifer’s award was announced by Missouri Public Safety Director Mark James and presented by Governor Mike Kehoe during the Missouri Public Safety Awards ceremony in Jefferson City. Jennifer was one of only two civilians in Missouri recognized with the Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award this year.
When the young boy fell through the ice, Jennifer immediately went to his aid while her son made the 911 call, getting emergency responders on the way. Jennifer put herself in a dangerous situation to reach the child and bring him to safety, while her son made the critical call for help.
It was especially meaningful to have Jennifer’s family there to share this special moment with her, as well as the young boy she rescued and his dad. Seeing them all together today was a wonderful reminder of just how important Jennifer’s actions were that day.
It was an honor for me, personally, and for the entire Willow Springs Fire Department to see Jennifer receive this recognition. I am proud that our department was able to nominate her and tell her story to the State of Missouri.
Jennifer, congratulations. You earned this recognition, and our community is incredibly proud of you.
And to Jennifer’s son: thank you for making that 911 call. You were an important part of this rescue, too.
Most importantly, it was wonderful to see the little boy Jennifer rescued standing there today with his dad. That is the part of this story that matters most—he is here, he is safe, and Jennifer played a tremendous role in making sure he got home.
Willow Springs is proud of you, Jennifer! ❤️💙🚒
Chief Logan