* Isabel posted this ABC 7 story in her morning briefing…
Illinois State Senator Willie Preston came to the rescue of a driver whose truck had flipped onto its side in Chicago last week.
Sen. Preston, who represents Illinois’ 16th District, was driving near 79th and Kedzie last Friday when he saw people recording something on their phones.
He said he then saw a semi that had flipped onto its side. It was smoking, and the driver was trapped inside.
Sen. Preston had a tool in his car, which he used to break the windshield and then helped the driver out of the cab.
* I thought you might like to see the original video…
Avoid traffic heading west down 79th Street as a major accident has occurred on 79th Kedzie. As a community, when we see someone in distress I encourage us to help, not just record. #unityandprogress
Posted by Willie Preston on Friday, August 11, 2023
*** UPDATE *** I should’ve mentioned this as well. From a press release…
State Senator Willie Preston gave local south side high school baseball players a surprise of a lifetime with a trip to one of the most famous baseball fields last weekend.
“I am pleased I was able to bring such an amazing opportunity to the players and coaches from the 16th District,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I want our next generation of kids to know that there is life beyond our neighborhood and that we believe in them and will support them by investing in their dreams and futures.”
At 6 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13, teammates from Leo, Oaklawn, Simeon, Perspective’s, and Lindblom high schools packed on to a bus to play in State Senator Willie Preston’s Field of Dreams All Star Game at the legendary Field of Dreams from the 1989 film. The baseball players were also able to meet and train with professional baseball players and coaches.
Preston has developed a strong relationship with the schools and the administration in his district. As a newly elected official, he has supported back to school drives, food giveaways, and other community events.
“I am so proud of these young, talented men and their dedication both on and off the field,” said Preston. “Being able to show them they matter and so do their futures is exactly why we brought them to the Field of Dreams.”
If this video doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don’t know what will…
Wow! Today was an incredible day!!! God has truly put me in a position to do some incredible things for his people. I’m not waisting a second. #senatorprestonfieldofdreamsallstargame #UnityAndProgress
Posted by Willie Preston on Sunday, August 13, 2023
More pics and video here.
- West Sider - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 10:47 am:
Leaders lead
- Henry Francis - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:00 am:
Leaders lead, especially through their actions. (Talk is cheap, if not worthless these days). Kudos to Sen. Preston.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:07 am:
Awesome, he was definitely a hero. Good to carry some tools in your car too.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:18 am:
A hero, a good man, a good soul.
Love “the love” here… well earned.
- Chito - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:20 am:
Not all heroes wear capes.
- Politix - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:31 am:
An apocalypse could come and people still would be recording it on their phones.
- Hannibal Lecter - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:34 am:
The Field of Dreams trip is very cool. These young men will remember that moment for the rest of their lives.
- Louis G Atsaves - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:38 am:
Congrats to Senator Preston. Great work not only with the truck but with the kids.
- Frida's boss - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:42 am:
Well done.
Freshman making sure they know his name and gets things done. Keeps power brokers who didn’t want him there at bay when the community loves him.
- jt11505 - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 11:57 am:
Now that is some serious constituent service. Well done, Senator.
- Lincoln Lad - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 12:02 pm:
Need more of this in today’s turbulent times. Thank you Senator for being the kind of man we need in our communities and representing us.
- Southside Markie - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 12:10 pm:
Anyone who has worked with Sen. Preston won’t be surprised. More like him, please.
- H-W - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 12:24 pm:
Sorry Isabel - I didn’t read that post yet. Busy morning.
Well done, Senator! Well done!
And well said too. “I want our next generation of kids to know that there is life beyond our neighborhood and that we believe in them and will support them by investing in their dreams and futures.”
We have a similar reality here in West Central, IL. Rural kids need hope too. There are too few opportunities. Some do fabulously well! Most however see few middle-class opportunities.
As I like to say, Thank you for your service to the community. Your example should remind us all to serve.
- JS Mill - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 12:38 pm:
I like this guy. Well done Senator.
- ;) - Friday, Aug 18, 23 @ 2:27 pm:
Way to go Senator Preston!