A student was given a lifesaving award on Monday after authorities say he helped stop a moving school bus when its driver became unresponsive in Lake Villa.
The Lake Villa Police Department said Jeffrey Starck, who they called a “local hero,” was given a lifesaving award on Monday during the Lake Villa Village Board meeting.
Starck, a high school student, was on a school bus with other students around 8:20 a.m. on February 20.
The bus driver began experiencing a medical emergency while driving and was rendered unresponsive.
Starck sprang into action by taking the steering wheel and maneuvering the bus onto a lawn in the Oakland Ridge subdivision.
Starck also pressed the brake and stopped the bus in front of a tree.
The entire incident happened in eight seconds, police officials said.
No one was injured and the bus driver was transported to a local hospital where he was later released.
Starck’s “quick decisive actions” led to no one being injured during the incident.
“In a moment of crisis, when every second counted, Jeffrey took decisive action and showed unwavering courage. His selfless actions to save the lives of others is truly remarkable. He is a local hero,” Lake Villa Police Chief Rochelle Tisinai said.
Starck was presented the lifesaving award by Tisinai and Lake Villa Mayor James McDonald.