Four Individuals Receive Commendations for Lifesaving Measures Taken for Others
Two unrelated private citizens and two West Chicago police officers were recognized at last night’s City Council meeting for their heroic actions in times of crisis. The following details pertain to each separate incident:
Jacob Schroeder; Brian Donlan
Jacob Schroeder of West Chicago, IL and Brian Donlan of Hoffman Estates, IL were driving northbound in their vehicles on Route 59 on December 5, 2014 at approximately 11:00 p.m. in West Chicago when they came upon a fiery traffic crash. Arriving on the scene before emergency personnel, the two men acted quickly and selflessly, and demonstrated bravery beyond what is normally expected. They were able to extract two adult male victims from one of the involved vehicles. The two victims were later transported to Cadence Health/Central DuPage Hospital and survived. The second vehicle, which was engulfed in flames, was found to have a deceased victim inside.
Both Schroeder and Donlan could have easily driven by the accident scene and done nothing, however, because of their actions two people’s lives were saved.
“You always wonder if you are going to be the guy that drives by, or if you’ll be the one to stop. These two gentlemen were selfless and saved two lives by putting others before themselves. They are true heroes,” said Mayor Ruben Pineda.
Police Officer Jonathan Jones
Proper training and quick-thinking on the part of West Chicago Police Officer Jonathan Jones resulted in him saving two lives. Due to the heroin epidemic in DuPage County, Officer Jones, along with the rest of the police department, received training in the use of NARCAN. Officer Jones’ skill was put to the test on August 30, 2014 when he responded to a report of an unconscious person in the 300 block of Clayton Street in West Chicago. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Jones recognized the individual from previous contacts, and based on his observation of his shallow pulse, pale color and stillness, believed an overdose of heroin was responsible. Calling on his training, Officer Jones administered NARCAN to the individual, who ultimately made a full recovery.
Again, on February 5, 2015, Officer Jones responded to the 300 block of Clayton Street, this time for a report of an unconscious subject who was turning purple. He learned from individuals on the scene that the victim was in fact a heroin user. Upon administering NARCAN to the individual, he began breathing and regained his color. This individual also made a full recovery.
Both of these individuals are alive today due to the actions taken by Officer Jones.
As of January 2015, 42 lives have been saved in DuPage County thanks to police officers administering the drug NARCAN. Of those 42 saves, West Chicago has the most with 6 lives being saved.
Police Officer Jeffrey Moos
Jeffrey Moos has been a West Chicago Police Officer for nine years. Officer Moos, as well as the rest of the police department, has received first aid training which has included the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). On January 4, 2015, Officer Moos responded to a call at the 600 block of Fieldcrest Drive where he found a 47-year old male suffering from possible cardiac arrest. The man was not breathing, and was turning purple. Officer Moos applied one shock from an AED, which is carried in all police cars, and continued chest compressions. The victim began to have respirations on his own, and a pulse was detected. A few seconds later, the victim groaned, opened his eyes and was able to speak with Officer Moos. West Chicago Fire Protection District Paramedics arrived and took over his care. Officer Moos’ response to this emergency was exemplary and he is credited for saving the victim’s life.
“The training that our men and women in uniform receive is critical to providing lifesaving responses. Officers Jones and Moos confidently used their skills and made a difference in the lives of three people and their families.”
