Hobart honors two very different heroes

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HOBART — Two reluctant heroes — a 3-year-old boy and a member of the Patriot Guard — received recognition at the City Council meeting Wednesday, the first for giving up his toys to less fortunate children, and the second for coming to the rescue of victims in a fiery crash.

Darrel Sills was among the Patriot Guard members escorting the body of Spc. Robert Tauteris, who was killed in Afghanistan, from Valparaiso Airport back to his hometown of North Judson Saturday when they encountered a two-vehicle crash in which a 35-year-old woman, her mother and 6-year-old twins were trapped in a Jeep Cherokee that had burst into flames.

“Darrel was one of the first responders at the scene. He sustained some cuts to his hand to help the victims,” Mayor Brian Snedecor said in recognizing Sills.

“This was some heroic action taken on the part of the Patriot Guard. On behalf of the city, I say thank you,” Snedecor said.

After the meeting, Sills deflected the recognition, pointing out that he was just one of several members of the Patriot Guard and police officers who came to the family’s rescue.

“I don’t want this just about me. I just happen to be at the meeting,” Sills said.

Sills’ wife, Charlotte Sills, said all Patriot Guard members who had been hospitalized for smoke inhalation, minor burns and other injuries have been released. She said the driver of the Cherokee, Ana Pina, 35, of South Bend, and her 6-year-old daughter are still hospitalized, the mother still in critical condition.

The second hero, Riley Mikula, buried his head in his mother’s shoulder as she held him while the council recognized his unselfish act.

“Riley, we’re very proud of you,” Snedecor said.

Councilman P. Lino Maggio, D-3rd, recommended Riley receive formal recognition after learning that the young boy sold his toys and used the money he raised to buy new toys for less fortunate children.

“I’m sure the parents helped, but the idea was his. It’s a credit to you guys,” Maggio told parents David and Tatianna Mikula.

Tatianna Mikula said when she was pregnant, she and her husband decided that they would do something every year for the needy, whether it was donating a gift from an Angel Tree or something else.

Mikula said Riley asked if he could give his toys to other children who didn’t have as many as he does after she pointed out that he had so many.

“Toys for Tots and other organizations wouldn’t accept used toys, though,” she said.

So Riley decided to sell his toys and use the proceeds to buy new ones. She said he bought 37 news toys altogether for Toys for Tots to distribute at Christmas.

Mikula said toys that he didn’t sell were donated to two young brothers who were injured in a Lake Station fire, and they baked cookies for the firefighters.