An officer with the Round Lake Park Police Department and a Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police sergeant have been honored for their role in saving a life during a fiery February crash.
Round Lake Park Police Ofc. Brittany Fears and Sgt. James Harrison of the Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police was presented with awards for exceptional bravery and quick thinking for their actions during the crash on February 12.
Harrison was on routine patrol when he encountered a serious traffic accident. The vehicle was on fire, and the driver was injured, trapped, and needed immediate help.
Harrison and Fears used fire extinguishers in their cars to put out the fire under the vehicle’s hood.
The victim had a compound fracture and was unable to move, said Lt. Shane Page with Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District.
“According to witnesses, the fire was spreading fast and was sizeable,” Page said.
“I feel that the actions of these officers saved the life of our patient and allowed us to extricate her in the proper manner for her injuries as opposed to an emergency due to fire,” Page said. “I have no doubt their actions saved our patient a lot of pain and further serious injuries.”
The patient was transported from the scene to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
“Sgt. Harrison’s decisive action saved a life. His bravery and clear thinking in a crisis set a strong example for our department and our community,” said Police Chief Ron Davis of Lake County Forest Preserves. “This shows the impact we have on the public and displays the strong relationships we have with residents and other local public safety departments.”