According to officials, thirteen other people have previously died at the Glen D. Palmer Dam in Yorkville over the past 25 years.  Bruce and Mark were both aware of the dangers that the dam presented, but they did not hesitate.

This awe-inspiring act of heroism displayed by both Bruce and Mark serves as a reminder to us all that the human spirit knows no boundaries when it comes to helping our fellow man.  There are other individuals amongst us who think nothing of their own well being when they see another individual in distress.

While these every day heroes never ask for recognition, or for their names to appear in the news, their acts of courage are certainly worthy of praise and recognition.

In an effort to honor these selfless and brave individuals, the DuPage County Board has created the DuPage County Sperling Award.

This award will be presented to those DuPage residents who exemplify the spirit by which Bruce Sperling, the Youth Pastor at Lombard Bible Church lived his life, taught his students and ultimately died, to live by the simple philosophy, “it’s not about me”.

If you have questions or would like more information, please email sperlingaward@dupageco.org .