Oakwood Hills Police Chief Danny Rains presents a letter of commendation to Oakwood Hills Police Officer Victor Marroquin during a village board meeting for his actions in aiding a gunshot victim on January 4, 2025. | Provided Photo

A police officer has been honored for providing lifesaving aid to a man who was seriously injured after an accidental shooting in Oakwood Hills last weekend.

The Cary Fire Protection District and Oakwood Hills Police Department responded around 3:14 p.m. on January 4 to the 0-100 block of Fawn Ridge Drive in Oakwood Hills.

Cary Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said emergency crews received a report of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound at a residence.

Oakwood Hills Police Officer Victor Marroquin was the first to arrive on the scene.

Marroquin rendered aid to the adult male victim by securing a tourniquet to control bleeding from a gunshot wound to his lower extremity, Vucha said.

Paramedics arrived shortly after and took over patient care.

A medical helicopter was requested due to the severity of the injury.

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The man was transported by ambulance to the helipad at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital.

A Mercyhealth REACT helicopter landed at the helipad and flew the victim to Javon Bea Hospital — Riverside in Rockford for advanced medical treatment of his serious injuries, Vucha said.

According to fire department radio traffic, the man had reportedly been cleaning a firearm when it was discharged.

Police officials said the victim’s recovery is a “testament to Officer Marroquin’s training and swift response.”

During a village board meeting on Thursday evening, Marroquin was honored with a letter of commendation, presented by Oakwood Hills Police Chief Danny Rains, in recognition of his “quick thinking and decisive actions.”

“Officer Marroquin’s actions exemplify the dedication and professionalism of our department. We are proud to have him on our team and to see his efforts recognized with this well-deserved commendation,” the police department said.

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