After her squad car was rear-ended, Gurnee officer rushed to save driver from burning vehicle that hit her

A Gurnee police officer is set to receive a Life Saving Award for her actions earlier this month, when she rushed into harm's way to pull a driver from a burning SUV that moments earlier had rear-ended her patrol vehicle.

The dramatic rescue was captured on video by the body camera worn that night by officer Kassandra Canadzic, who said she appreciates the upcoming recognition but shrugs off her heroism as just another day on the job.

"We're all out here doing these things every day," she said.

Canadzic was parked near the intersection of routes 41 and 120 just before 11 p.m. Nov. 9 when the small SUV with a suspected drunk driver behind the wheel slammed into the back of her squad.

"At first it was a little disorienting, but when I got out of my vehicle I saw that the car that had hit me was on fire," she said.

Canadzic rushed to the driver's side door and attempted to pull out the female driver, but the deployed air bag prevented the officer from reaching the driver's seat belt to unbuckle it. As two back seat passengers escaped on their own, Canadzic sprinted to the passenger side front door to unbuckle the safety belt.

As the fire intensified, the officer returned to the driver's door and pulled the woman out. A passerby came over to help, and together they dragged the semiconscious woman to safety.

Moments later, the SUV was fully engulfed in flames.

Canadzic started her law enforcement career in North Chicago in 2021 and joined the Gurnee Police Department last year. She's set to receive her Life Saving Award on Monday night, during the Gurnee village board meeting.

She said she shares the honor with the good Samaritans who stopped to assist her that night.

"They didn't have to stop and help. They could have just stood by," she said.

Gurnee police Chief Brian Smith said that without Canadzic's courage and quick thinking, the outcome that night would have been "unimaginable."

"In the face of a critical situation where seconds counted, she exhibited remarkable wherewithal and made a rapid, effective decision that undoubtedly saved a life," he said.

"Officer Canadzic exemplifies the dedication and professionalism that we strive for in our police department," Smith added. "Her actions not only reflect her commitment to public safety but also serve as an inspiration to her fellow officers and the community."

<h3 class="briefHead">More honors</h3>

Canadzic won't be alone in receiving recognition for heroism Monday night. The village also will honor three citizens - Lisa Rivera, Nicholas Lunsford and William Eichholtz - for their courageous actions following a Nov. 1 crash.

According to police, a minor two-vehicle crash occurred that morning at the intersection of Route 132 and Lawson Boulevard. Things took a turn for the worse, however, when one of the drivers involved was struck by a third vehicle as she stood outside her car assessing the damage.

The woman became trapped between two cars and suffered severe injuries. Rivera, Lunsford and Eichholtz, who all were on their way to work, stopped to help.

"Demonstrating remarkable composure and medical expertise, (they) swiftly assessed the gravity of the situation," police said in a news release. "Collaborating seamlessly, they applied tourniquets to control the injured woman's bleeding, ensuring her stability until officers and paramedics arrived."

<h3 class="briefHead">Clear and present danger</h3>

Illinois State Police say they revoked or denied approval of more than 4,200 Firearm Owner Identification cards in the first nine months of 2023, as a result of Clear and Present Danger reports submitted to the agency.

The reports are made by law enforcement, school administrators and medical professionals when they believe a person would be a significant threat to themselves or others if they had access to a gun. In all, state police received 10,144 such reports between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, leading to 4,212 revocations or denials, officials said this week.

According to state police, the agency reviews about 30 Clear and Present Danger reports a day and then works with local police to bring revoked cardholders into compliance by making sure they no longer have access to firearms.

<h3 class="briefHead">Got a Grip</h3>

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office has a new member of its Cyber Lab, and she's ready to sniff out digital crime.

Grip is a 1½-year-old yellow Labrador retriever that's been trained to detect electronic devices, such as cellphones, laptops and anything else containing a SIM card or chip.

She's partnering with state's attorney Investigator Rob Beach, who specializes in cybercrime cases. Grip will work closely with law enforcement agencies during the execution of search warrants in cases involving the use of electronic devices.

"I am completely impressed with her ability to detect electronic devices," Beach said. "She has the best demeanor, and as my little ones say, 'She helps catch bad guys.'"

Grip was donated through a grant from Defenders for Children, whose mission is to prevent child abuse, trafficking and child pornography. The purchase was made possible by the generosity of Gripple, Inc.

<h3 class="briefHead">Shopper surveillance</h3>

Aurora police will soon have easier access to surveillance videos from the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall.

The city is buying the Fusus-brand real-time intelligence system that will allow officers to pull video from the mall's surveillance system. It previously did not have a secure way to do it, according to a city memo.

Officers will be able to access cameras through their laptop computers and cellphones, when responding to emergencies at the property. It may also be used during other times, such as when big crowds are expected for holiday shopping, according to a memo to the city council. For nonemergency situations, they will need the mall's permission.

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