Glen Ellyn, College of DuPage Officials Honor Officer Following March Car Crash
The Glen Ellyn Village Board recognized the efforts of Glen Ellyn Officer Kevin Riggle in rescuing a 61-year-old woman from her submerged car March 24 in a pond at College of DuPage.
During the May 22 meeting, College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau, joined by COD Board Chairman Deanne Mazzochi and several senior College administrators, applauded Officer Riggle for his life-saving actions. Read Dr. Rondeau's full remarks.
"That night could well have ended in tragedy," Dr. Rondeau said. "But the evening didn't end in tragedy, thanks to the exemplary conduct of Officer Riggle and a team of first responders including members of the College of DuPage Police, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District and the Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove and Wheaton fire departments."
Glen Ellyn Police Chief Phil Norton and village officials praised Riggle for his quick response as well as the efforts of other agencies, including College of DuPage, for their assistance.
"Officer Riggle, thinking only of others, went into the cold water and swam 100 feet to reach the driver," Norton said. "Even more amazing, Officer Riggle insisted he go back on duty, but only after he returned to the hospital to check on the woman."
COD and Village leadership in March approved a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), which gave the Village control over administrative and regulatory matters including building codes, zoning, sign codes and liquor licensing. The collaboration between the responding agencies shows the power of strong working relationships between local governing agencies, something College leaders have worked to repair over the last several months, Dr. Rondeau said.
"Our work together and our continued commitment to collaborate reflects both the deepening and broadening of the relationship between the College and the Village, as well as the College's commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our public partners through Community College District 502," she said.