Des Plaines officers honored for saving man's life

Two Des Plaines police officers are being recognized for saving the life of a 30-year-old man with the help of an automated external defibrillator they had in their squad car.

Officer Chris Harrison and Sgt. Robert Dvorak treated the unresponsive man, who was abnormally pale and not breathing, just before 6 a.m. Dec. 14, at his home on the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue. Both officers received lifesaving awards this week at a city council meeting.

On Dec. 14, the officers were met at the front door by the victim's mother, who directed them upstairs to his bedroom. Harrison began chest compressions, as Dvorak readied the defibrillator. Des Plaines Fire Department paramedics soon arrived and took over medical procedures, and the man began to show signs of life, according to Police Chief Bill Kushner.

"Given the victim's precarious condition upon initial contact, Officer Harrison and Sgt. Dvorak's decisive and quick actions were undoubtedly a considerable factor in preserving the victim's life," Kushner said.