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Crime & Courts | Sauk Valley News

Widow of Sterling firefighter testifies how 2021 fire death has affected her, 2 daughters

The widow of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos, who was killed in the line of duty, testified at the Whiteside County Courthouse on Wednesday, telling a 12-member jury how her husband’s death has affected her and their two young daughters

By Charlene Bielema●

Sterling firefighter’s parents testify about son’s line-of-duty death: ‘He was a great man’

Memories of Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos’ life were displayed on a projection screen for a Whiteside County jury Monday during the sixth day of a civil trial to decide if Rock Falls fire officials are to blame for Ramos’ December 2021 line-of-duty death

By Charlene Bielema●

Ramos attorney opens trial with reasons why Rock Falls fire officials responsible for Sterling fireman’s death

When the first Sterling fire engine arrived at the scene of a rural Rock Falls garage fire Dec. 3, 2021, Sterling Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos was on it. Just two hours after he arrived, firefighters would be removing his body from the basement – his death caused by asphyxia.

By Charlene Bielema●

2 Amboy men facing felony meth delivery charges

Two Amboy men were charged with delivering methamphetamine in late October following separate investigations by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

By Payton Felix●

Opening statements to begin Tuesday in Sterling firefighter’s wrongful death lawsuit

After a full-day’s work, a Whiteside County jury was seated Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, to hear a wrongful death civil case that could see the jury asked to award tens of millions of dollars to a Sterling firefighter’s widow and children.

By Charlene Bielema●