North Aurora police officer honored
Officer Ryan McKiness was named the 2011 North Aurora Police Officer of the Year Tuesday night.
The award was bestowed by the North Aurora Lions Club.
McKiness was honored for his efforts Sept. 20 to save the life of Phil Fleck of Sugar Grove.
Fleck had a heart attack while driving on Pinehill Court, and his car crashed into a tree. Nearby residents found the man to be unconscious and not breathing, and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
McKiness took over the CPR until paramedics arrived.
Fleck survived, and presented McKiness with the village’s Lifesaving Medal in November. The residents, and a dispatcher from the Aurora Police Department, were given citizen commendations.
McKiness was one of three officers nominated for the annual award.
“When the men and women in this room suit up for duty, there is no guarantee they will come home at the end of their shift,” said North Aurora Chief David Summer in a statement.
McKiness has been a police officer for 10 years, and is assigned to the evening shift patrol.
“I commend the North Aurora Lions Club for taking the time to recognize these local heroes,” Summer said. “It is a pleasure to be part of this event and I could not be more proud of all the nominated officers.”
Past winners are Officer Dan Cyko, Officer Chris Joswick, Officer Mike Quinn, Officer Kristen Lohrstorfer, Sgt. Joseph DeLeo and Officer Ryan Hooper.