JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville Police Officer Nick Woelfel was recently commended by his department for his role in rescuing two people from a house fire on Dec. 22, 2025 in the 500 block of Pine Street in Jerseyville.
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Police Chief Danny Green presented a Department Commendation award to Officer Woelfel at the Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 Jerseyville City Council meeting.
“Officers and firefighters for the City of Jerseyville were dispatched to a structure fire [in the 500 block of Pine Street], where dispatch advised residents were trapped inside the residence,” Green said. “Officers arrived on scene within minutes and observed multiple occupants trapped in a second-story, partially boarded window, with heavy black smoke pouring from the opening and an active fire visible on the rear of the first floor.
“Initiating quick thinking and decisive action, Officer Woelfel climbed on the front porch roof, forced open the boarded window, and safely assisted two occupants onto the roof. Officer Woelfel remained with the occupants, shielding them from danger until the Jerseyville Fire Department arrived with ladders.”
With assistance from additional Jerseyville police officers and firefighters, as well as EMS and Sheriff’s Department personnel, Green said each of the home’s occupants were safely removed from the roof and transported to ambulances waiting nearby for medical treatment.
“Officer Woelfel’s courageous and selfless actions in placing himself in harm’s way exemplify his dedication to serving and protecting the community and are worthy recognition through the awarding of a police commendation,” Green concluded.
See our previous coverage on Riverbender.com for more on the initial response to the Pine Street house fire and updated details on the incident from Jerseyville Fire Chief Keith Norman.
Also at this week’s City Council meeting, multiple city employees were honored with “Service Awards,” recognizing their service to the City of Jerseyville and its citizens for extended periods of time.
Deputy City Clerk Michelle Niemeyer was recognized for her 20 years of service to the city, including 13 years as a Telecommunicator and seven years as Deputy Clerk. Commissioner of Accounts and Finance Tony Steckel presented Niemeyer with her award while thanking her for her dedication, politeness, and positive attitude.
Telecommunicator Patrick Davis and Ben Bishop of the Public Property Department, neither of whom were present at this week’s meeting, have also earned Service Awards for serving the City of Jerseyville for 10 years each.
