Huntley officer wins cop of the year award for saving woman

Justin Harper got the good news by text message late Thursday: He's Kane County's 33rd Annual Police Officer of the Year.

The three-year veteran of the Huntley Police Department was recognized at a ceremony in Batavia for saving the life of a woman who had been overcome by exhaust fumes in her garage last June.

Although he couldn't accept the award in person, there were plenty of accolades among his fellow officers, who quickly let him know by text.

"It's quite an honor," said Huntley Police Chief John Perkins, who accepted the award for Harper. "I think this is the first time a Huntley officer has received this award. I'm very proud of him."

Harper was one of 17 officers from 10 police agencies across Kane County nominated for the annual award from Batavia Moose Lodge 682 and the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association.

The award recognizes acts of community service, heroism and bravery, said Mike Lazaruk, junior past governor of the Batavia Moose Lodge.

"It is always extremely difficult to pick just one," he said.

Perkins, who nominated Harper, said he "went the extra mile" on June 1, 2009, when he responded to check on the well-being of a resident who had alarmed colleagues when she didn't show up for work.

After getting no response at the woman's front door, Harper interviewed neighbors and eventually found a rear patio door unlocked.

Once he was inside the house, Perkins said, Harper heard a vehicle running in the garage and arrived to find the woman unresponsive on the floor.

He then opened the garage door and moved the woman outside, where he administered CPR until she started to breathe on her own.

"He went beyond what was expected," Perkins said. "If he didn't do that, there definitely would have been a loss of life."

Perkins said Harper, who was on a long-planned vacation to Hawaii during the awards ceremony, also received his own department's lifesaving award for his efforts.

"I think he was a little surprised he was also nominated for this," he said.