Algonquin Police Chief Dennis Walker (right) stands with Algonquin Police Officer Matthew Hunter (left) Friday evening after the department nominated him as officer of the year. | Provided Photo

A police officer was nominated for officer of the year for saving the life of a baby who was blue and not breathing in Algonquin, authorities said.

The McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association held its “Officer of the Year” reception Friday evening at the McHenry VFW Post.

Officers from around the county were nominated and recognized for their efforts and acts in 2022.

Officers with the Algonquin Police Department, Cary Police Department, Harvard Police Department, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Wonder Lake Police Department and Woodstock Police Department were the nominees.

The Algonquin Police Department said they nominated Officer Matthew Hunter for his efforts in reviving a child.

Hunter was dispatched to a call on October 1 to assist the fire department.

The call came out as an 18-month-old child who was in breathing distress, police said.

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Hunter arrived first and found the baby was blue and not breathing.

He began performing CPR and was successful in reviving the baby. Hunter continued to monitor the child until the fire department arrived.

“We are very proud of all of our Officers but on this night, we honored Officer Hunter for this exceptional performance,” the Algonquin Police Department said.

“Congratulations to all the above agencies and Officers nominated,” the department added.