Compassion in Action Award

2026 Honorees

• Miller Pipeline | Charles Kendall

  Intervened during a violent knife attack, helping stop the assault and restrain the attacker until police arrived.

  Near the end of the workday, Charles “Chuck” and his crew were working near Wisconsin Avenue and Fifth Street in Racine when he heard screaming about half a block away. As the commotion grew louder, Chuck went to investigate and discovered two people fighting in the street. A crowd of approximately 15 bystanders had gathered, several warning that one of the individuals had a knife.

  As Chuck approached, he saw that one man was being stabbed in the back with a butcher knife while bystanders watched and recorded the incident. Recognizing the immediate danger, Chuck stepped in to help. He pulled the victim away from the attacker, and with the assistance of another bystander, confronted and disarmed the attacker. Together, they brought the individual to the ground and restrained him until law enforcement arrived approximately one minute later.

  Responding officers told Chuck that had he and the other bystander not intervened, the victim likely would not have survived. Chuck’s willingness to act during an extremely dangerous situation helped stop the attack and may have saved a life.

  During this action, Chuck was an Electric Crew Leader.

• Consumers Energy | Tareq Ghunaim

  Gas | Rescues an elderly homeowner from a house fire.

  While conducting a routine overnight survey, Tareq Ghunaim noticed a house on fire and immediately recognized the danger. Rather than simply reporting the emergency and waiting for help to arrive, he took action to make sure those in and around the home were safe.

  Tareq helped rescue an elderly homeowner from the burning house and then turned his attention to neighboring homes, helping alert and evacuate nearby families as the fire threatened the area. His quick response ensured residents were moved to safety before firefighters arrived on the scene.

  Tareq’s awareness, decisive action, and willingness to put the safety of others first helped prevent a dangerous situation from becoming a tragedy.

  During this action, Tareq was a Lead Advanced Methane Detection Driver.

• ComEd | David Polcyn, Eric Riordan, Jake Harcar, and Matthew Vianello

  Electric | Protected a young girl in the path of an approaching vehicle.

  On September 16, 2025, Eric Riordan, David Polcyn, Jake Harcar, and Matthew Vianello were performing their work duties when they noticed a potentially dangerous situation developing nearby. A group of children was riding their bikes to school with their parents walking behind them when one young girl stopped between two ComEd trucks to wait for the rest of the group.

  At the same time, a vehicle approached from the opposite direction at a speed and angle that prevented the driver from seeing the child. Recognizing the danger immediately, the crew exited their vehicles and took action to keep the girl safely out of the vehicle’s path, preventing what could have been a serious accident.

  After the vehicle passed, the crew continued looking out for the group’s safety by blocking the street in both directions, creating a safe path for the children and their parents to continue on their way. Their awareness, quick response, and willingness to take action helped protect a child from harm and ensured the entire group could proceed safely.

  During this action, they held the following positions: David Polcyn, System Technician B; Eric Riordan, Helper Shop & TI Serv; Jake Harcar, System Technician A; and Matthew Vianello, System Technician A.

• ComEd | Ernest Gonzalez II

  Electric | Assisted an injured elderly driver after a car accident.

  On December 13, 2025, Ernest witnessed a car accident near Route 52 and Mills Road and immediately stopped to help. After safely securing his truck and calling 911, he approached an elderly driver who had been injured in the crash.

  Finding the vehicle’s curtain airbag blocking access to the driver, Ernest cut through the airbag so he could reach her. He remained with the woman, keeping her calm while assessing her condition and gathering information that could be relayed to emergency responders. He then checked on the driver of the second vehicle to confirm that he was safe.

  Ernest remained at the scene until authorities arrived, providing steady assistance and reassurance during a frightening and uncertain situation. His quick response, compassion, and presence of mind ensured both drivers had support during a critical moment.

  During this action, Ernest held the position of Crew Leader Line.

• ComEd | Leo Perez

  Electric | Assisted a co-worker during a medical event.

  On March 4, 2025, Leo noticed that a co-worker was in distress, experiencing chest pain and sweating. Recognizing that the symptoms could indicate a serious medical emergency, Leo immediately stepped in to help.

  Understanding the urgency of the situation, Leo ensured his colleague received prompt medical attention by transporting him to the emergency room at Bolingbrook Hospital. He stayed by his co-worker’s side, providing reassurance and support throughout the frightening experience.

  Medical evaluation later confirmed that the employee had suffered a severe medical event. Leo’s awareness, quick decision-making, and concern for his colleague helped ensure he received the urgent medical care he needed.

  During this action, Leo held the position of DO Lead Crew Leader Line.

• ComEd | James Anderson, Chad Barnett, and Matthew Macfarlane

  Electric | Responded to a traffic accident to assist an injured driver.

  On October 2, 2025, James Anderson, Chad Barnett, and Matthew Macfarlane witnessed a serious traffic accident in which a collision caused one vehicle to spin into oncoming traffic. Recognizing the immediate danger to the driver and others on the roadway, the three quickly secured their company vehicles and took action.

  Matt immediately called 911 while Chad established a safe perimeter with cones and directed traffic around the accident, helping prevent additional hazards. James approached the damaged vehicle to assess the driver’s condition. He cleared the deployed airbags to make visual contact with the driver and safely cut the seatbelt, helping the individual exit the vehicle.

  Through their calm, coordinated response, James, Chad, and Matt provided immediate assistance to the driver while keeping the accident scene controlled and as safe as possible until emergency responders arrived.

  During this action, they held the following positions: James Anderson, Crew Leader Line; Chad Barnett, OH Electric Specialist; and Matthew Macfarlane, Overhead Electric.

• ComEd | Daniel Peruski

  Electric | Responded to a traffic accident.

  On February 18, 2025, Daniel was driving to the DeKalb headquarters when he witnessed a vehicle leave the roadway, travel across a field, crash through a barbed wire fence, and strike an air conditioning unit. Recognizing the seriousness of the accident, Daniel turned around and immediately called 911.

  When Daniel reached the vehicle, he saw that the driver’s side was entangled in barbed wire, making it unsafe for the driver to exit that way. Daniel calmly assisted the driver out through the passenger door, helping prevent further injury. He remained on the phone with emergency dispatchers, providing updates on the situation while staying with the driver until police arrived.

  Daniel’s quick response, sound judgment, and reassuring presence helped keep the driver safe and calm following a frightening accident.

  During this action, Daniel held the position of Electric Mechanic.

• ComEd | Dexter Moore

  Electric | Responded to a traffic accident.

  On July 7, 2025, Dexter was traveling between job sites when he witnessed a head-on collision that caused one of the vehicles to flip onto its side. Recognizing the immediate danger, Dexter activated his strobe lights and positioned his vehicle to help block traffic and protect the accident scene.

  Hearing the driver of the overturned vehicle calling for help, Dexter put on cut-resistant gloves and approached the vehicle. He removed the windshield, climbed inside, and safely helped the driver out of the vehicle. Once the driver was free, Dexter stayed with the individual while continuing to help keep the roadway protected.

  Dexter remained at the scene until first responders arrived. His quick thinking, calm response, and willingness to step into a chaotic situation helped prevent additional injuries and ensured the driver received immediate assistance.

  During this action, Dexter held the position of OHT Crew Leader Line.

• ComEd | Marvin Enoch

  Electric | Responded to a traffic accident.

  On September 30, 2025, Marvin was driving near Addison and Sacramento when he noticed a vehicle make minor contact with the car directly behind it. Something about the situation appeared unusual, and as Marvin looked more closely, he realized the driver was experiencing a medical emergency.

  Marvin safely parked his truck and immediately went to the driver’s aid. He helped bring the vehicle to a stop, placed it in park, removed the keys, and reclined the seat to put the individual in a safer position. Marvin and other bystanders called 911 and remained at the scene while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

  Other ComEd employees who were nearby also stepped in to direct traffic and help protect the scene. Marvin’s attentiveness allowed him to recognize that what initially appeared to be a minor traffic incident was actually a medical emergency, and his quick response helped keep the individual safe until professional medical care arrived.

  During this action, Marvin held the position of OH Electric Specialist.

• ComEd | Matthew Padilla

  Electric | Assisted a woman who had been physically assaulted.

  On August 19, 2025, Matthew was patrolling a lockout on circuit W107 when he noticed a woman walking toward his vehicle who appeared visibly distressed. As she approached, Matthew realized she had been physically assaulted and was bleeding.

  Recognizing that she needed immediate assistance, Matthew provided basic first aid and contacted emergency services. He remained with the woman, offering reassurance and helping ensure she was safe while they waited for responders to arrive.

  Matthew’s calm and compassionate response during a traumatic situation provided the woman with immediate care, reassurance, and protection until professional help arrived.

  During this action, Matthew held the position of OH Electric Specialist.

• ComEd | Carlos Ceballos

  Electric | Assisted a co-worker during a medical event.

  On June 25, 2025, during a work event, a coworker approached Carlos and said they were feeling unwell. The employee shared that they had food allergies and carried an EpiPen. Recognizing the potential seriousness of the situation, Carlos moved the employee to the lobby where he could more closely assess their condition and called 911.

  When the employee’s symptoms worsened and they began having difficulty breathing, Carlos immediately administered the EpiPen, providing critical assistance until emergency medical responders arrived.

  Carlos continued supporting his coworker after the ambulance arrived, contacting the employee’s family and accompanying them to the hospital until loved ones could be there. His ability to recognize the emergency, respond decisively, and remain by his coworker’s side ensured the employee received both immediate medical attention and compassionate support during a frightening situation.

  During this action, Carlos held the position of Manager Transmission & Substation Engineering.

• ComEd | Joseph Harrison, Derek Lovgren, and Matthew Tucker

  Electric | Responded to a traffic accident.

  On August 21, 2024, Joseph Harrison, Derek Lovgren, and Matthew Tucker were replacing a regulator when a vehicle collision occurred nearby. Recognizing that those involved needed immediate assistance, the crew quickly stopped what they were doing and responded.

  Antonio rushed from the station to assist an injured driver, carrying the individual out of the roadway to a safe location. At the same time, Joseph, Derek, and Matthew worked together to move the damaged vehicle onto the shoulder, helping clear the roadway and reduce the risk of an additional accident. Antonio called 911 and also checked on the other driver involved in the collision.

  The crew remained at the scene, providing assistance and support to both drivers until first responders arrived. Their teamwork, quick response, and concern for the safety of others helped bring order to an unexpected and potentially dangerous situation.

  During this action, they held the following positions: Joseph Harrison, Engineering Tech; Derek Lovgren, Electric Mechanic; and Matthew Tucker, Electric Mechanic.

• ComEd | Robert Harnan, Adam Wakeley, and Steven Grover

  Electric | Safely responded to an unexpected on-the-job hazard.

  On August 11, 2024, Robert and Adam were working from an aerial bucket to clip in newly installed wire when the bucket unexpectedly began to tilt as Adam attempted to reposition it. When releasing the joystick did not stop the movement, Adam immediately activated the kill switch in an effort to stop the equipment.

  At the same time, Phillip, who was working on the ground, recognized the danger and alerted Steven to shut off the truck’s engine. Their quick response successfully stopped the bucket from continuing to tilt. The crew then brought another truck to the scene and safely lowered Robert, Adam, and their coworkers to the ground.

  The crew’s awareness, communication, and coordinated response prevented a dangerous equipment malfunction from resulting in injury and ensured everyone was brought safely to the ground.

  During this action, all three held the position of OHT Ovhd Electric.

• ComEd | Trevor Bentley, Lance Lacy, Joseph Pastirik, Edward Rasmussen, and Damian Dolecki

  Electric | Assisted a severely injured member of the public.

  While working, Trevor, Damian, Lance, and Joseph were approached by a member of the public who was severely injured and bleeding. Recognizing that the individual needed immediate medical attention, the crew quickly called for emergency assistance.

  Trevor, Damian, Lance, and Joseph stayed with the injured individual, providing support and helping ensure the person remained safe until first responders arrived and could take over their care.

  The crew’s quick response, compassion, and willingness to assist someone in distress ensured the individual was not left alone during a serious and frightening situation.

  During this action, Trevor, Lance, Joseph, and Edward held the position of Electrical Mechanic. Damian held the position of Supervisor Construction.