Jurors in Whiteside County are hearing emotional opening statements in the civil trial regarding the death of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos. Ramos died in December 2021 after falling through a burning floor during a mutual aid response in rural Rock Falls.
Attorneys for his widow argue that Rock Falls fire officials failed to properly assess the risks at the scene, including neglecting to determine if the house had a basement and failing to keep accurate firefighter accountability. The defense contends that Ramos’s actions contributed to the tragedy and that no willful or wanton misconduct occurred. Testimony resumes as the trial continues this week.