Aurora cops receive state honor for Fox River rescue last summer

SPRINGFIELD -- Two Aurora police officers were given the state's medal of honor for a rescue last year in the Fox River.

Officers Glenda K. Van Horn and William J. Sullivan were among 28 police officers statewide receiving the award for showing bravery at the risk of their own lives.

On June 17, 2007, Van Horn and Sullivan were called to the Fox River to rescue two brothers who appeared to be drowning. One brother made it to shore but the other was barely afloat. The two officers jumped into the river and brought the second man to shore.

Van Horn, a 17-year veteran, said it was an honor to receive the award.

"It was the spur of the moment," she said of the rescue. "You're there, he's out in the water -- you have to respond."

Sullivan, a member of the police department for nearly two years, agreed.

"It's an amazing honor to be in the same class as these folks," he said of his fellow recipients. "All I was thinking was, 'We had to get that kid out of the water.'"

Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent said that, while officers attempt to downplay the award by saying they just did their job, it's necessary to acknowledge their efforts.

"We have an obligation, I think, to honor people who go above and beyond," he said. "I think every one of them was well deserved."