Mundelein teen honored for lifesaving efforts
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From left, Chief Eric Guenther, Donald Walker, Hazel Walker, Joyce Walker and Chief Tim Sashko. Courtesy Holly Kim |
A Mundelein teenager was honored at a recent Mundelein village board meeting for helping to save someone's life in town.
Hazel Walker, 17, received the village's Good Neighbor Award for her efforts.
Walker was on her way home from Mundelein High School on Jan. 28 when she noticed a man face down in a puddle of muddy water. Medical personnel later determined the man was in cardiac arrest and was hypothermic.
Disregarding her own safety, Walker went over and dragged him from the water and turned him over onto his back.
She then called 911 and directed police and fire personnel to the area.
"I am really proud of Ms. Walker," Mayor Kenneth H. Kessler said. "Many times, people look the other way and would rather not get involved. More people need to be like her and do the right thing."
The man was treated at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Dr. Michael Pearlman, the attending physician in the emergency room, praised Walker's selfless actions.
"Had Ms. Walker not found this individual and directed the first responders to provide their critical care, this individual could have easily died," he said."
The man has recovered.
Kessler and trustees praised Walker for her alertness, concern for others, responsiveness and bravery.
She was accompanied at the meeting by her parents, Donald and Joyce Walker.
