Good Samaritan awarded Medal of Valor for saving victim in March stabbing spree

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A good Samaritan, Keith Fahrney, who saved a victim in the deadly stabbing spree that took place in March this year, was awarded the Platinum Medal of Valor by the Rockford Park District on Tuesday.

It was not punches Fahrney felt, rather it was stabs from a knife. The hero recounted the moments when he stepped in to help a victim during the stabbing spree in late March.

The park district was more than happy to present the award and said it is about than just heroism.

“We gather here not only to celebrate their heroism, but to also remember a timeless truth that we are our brothers and sisters, keepers,” said Park District staff.

Keith and his son, Preston, have been involved with Rockford hockey for many years. It was important for the park district and those with the hockey teams to honor Fahrney’s actions months ago.

“The hockey family is a true family. We spend a lot of time together,” said Fahrney.

“You watched the video that played tonight and just thinking of his quick action to save another fellow neighbor is something that’s super inspiring to everybody,” said Preston’s Hockey Coach Eric Brown. “Especially having him in our hockey community. And that is our Rockford community. It’s something that we need more people like him.”

Fahrney was stabbed in his head when he stepped in to save Lindsey Craig while she was being attacked. The Winnebago County Sheriff said if he had not stepped in, the victim would likely have been killed.

The park district hopes Keith can inspire others to be there for their neighbors.

“People still need to help other people,” said Fahrney.

The park district also handed out the gold medal of valor to two park district staff. Nicholas Miller and Kyle Zimmerman were honored for saving the life of a fellow Park District employee.

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