VFW Post 3878 Honors Four Rochelle First Responders 

ROCHELLE – The Rochelle VFW Floyd J. Tilton Post 3878 honored four local first responders with Public Safety Awards during Monday’s Rochelle City Council meeting. The awards went to firefighter and paramedic Kenny Dougherty, firefighter and paramedic Cody Bakker, dispatcher Gracie Kelchner and officer Edgar Silva. Dougherty was recognized for his courage and efforts to protect life and property. Bakker was honored for his emergency medical service to the community. Kelchner was recognized for her role connecting people who need help with emergency responders. Silva was honored for his commitment to law enforcement and protecting citizens’ rights. Dougherty joined the Rochelle Fire Department in 2010 and became a full time firefighter in 2016. He is a licensed paramedic, certified firefighter and hazardous materials technician. Bakker is a second generation firefighter who completed the Fire Academy, earned his EMT Basic license and recently passed his national registry exam to become a paramedic. The awards were presented by VFW Post 3878 Quartermaster Joe Drought.