Deputy's quick thinking shields rescue squad from deliberate attack
Deputy Katie Norton was honored Monday night for heroic actions that saved the lives of Bushnell rescue workers during a domestic violence incident on Murphy Road.
On March 21, Norton positioned her squad car as a shield in front of the Bushnell Rescue Squad when Edward C. Anderson turned his Jeep around and drove directly at the scene. She escaped seconds before Anderson's vehicle hit hers at 30 to 40 miles per hour. Norton then turned to help Anderson, the very man who had just tried to kill her and the rescue personnel.
'She saved several people as we believe he was aiming for these rescue workers and Anderson allegedly admitted to the ISP that he was intentionally driving toward them,' Sheriff Nick Petitgout said.
Brent Glisan, a 34-year veteran EMT with the Bushnell Fire Department who was on scene that evening, said in a previous Community News Brief article that Norton's actions prevented tragedy.
'There was less than 100 feet between her car and our rescue squad. There was no way we could've moved our truck and the people in the back to safety,' Glisan said. 'If she hadn't put her car there, there would have been nothing to stop him. Her actions kept all of us safe, and she got out of her car just in time.'
Jeff Rench, the Bushnell Fire Department EMS Coordinator in his 26th year with the department, echoed the gratitude.
'I remember looking up, seeing headlights and seeing Officer Norton just get out of her car in time before he hit the vehicle,' Rench said. 'Honestly, I think without her quick actions and bravery, it could've been a very grim situation. We can't express how thankful we are for her quick actions and quick thinking to protect us.'
Anderson, 49, of 88 Murphy Road, remains in McDonough County Jail on 10 counts, including attempted battery with a deadly weapon, attempted aggravated battery of a peace officer, and driving under the influence of alcohol. A preliminary hearing is set for April 15.
In other business
The Bushnell City Council approved the first reading of the 2026-2027 budget and voted unanimously to promote Utility Manager Joe Fosdyck to Public Works Director.
City Treasurer Betsy Rench reported the 2025 Consumer Price Index was 2.7%, which will be applied as a cost-of-living adjustment to utilities.
Laverdiere Construction will return to complete repairs on Washington Street intersections. The city's East Lagoon NPDES Land Application permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has been approved. Water tower painting is scheduled to begin April 7, with completion expected by early the following week.
The Parks and Recreation Committee is exploring locations for a dog park and has ordered road signs for the new route from the Recreation Center to the park. New fire alarms have been installed at the Rec Center.
The city's annual cleanup day is scheduled for April 25, and the burn ban has been lifted.
The Economic Development Committee will purchase kitchen essentials for the Depot and will meet again April 27 at 5 p.m.
