Backed by Friends and Firefighters, a Local Hero Wins in a Landslide

Because of your votes, a local hero will be rewarded with new wheels for a week.

Phil Carmody, president of the River Forest-based Opportunity Knocks and a Naperville resident, captured an overwhelming 750 out of 1,385 total votes to win GM's Driving the Midwest "Our Town, Our Heroes" competition.

Related:

Carmody, 32, and his nominator, fellow firefighter John Halgren, will both get their pick of a shiny new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle on loan for a week and a full tank of gas. Here's what Halgren said in his nomination:

Phil is a hero for two reasons. Not only is he a Naperville firefighter paramedic, but he also serves as the President on the Board of Directors for ‘Opportunity Knocks,’ an organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for challenged adults in our neighborhood. His brother, Mike, founded the organization and was inspired by their brother John, who has Down syndrome. Phil campaigns tirelessly and truly represents a hometown hero.

Carmody has said he's unsure what he'll do with whatever ride he chooses, but made clear that "winning is secondary to the attention Opportunity Knocks and the Naperville Fire Department get because of this contest."

He edged out the contest's other two finalists, Aurora police officer Elizabeth Robinson-Chan and North Riverside firefighter Al Allen.

The contest continues on this special GM contest website, where more nominations are underway. The company said it launched the competition "to support and reward local heroes who inspire and empower others in their community."

Like local heroes? Like us on Facebook.