Two Elmhurst police officers were honored recently for their actions in saving the life of a man experiencing a life-threatening cardiac event.
Officers Leo Elizalde and James Ostrega were honored with Life-Saving Award certificates and medals for their lifesaving actions in a July 20 incident in DuPage County Field Court in Glendale Heights when a 67-year old man in the courtroom lost consciousness.
Ostrega helped the man to the ground, but the man was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Elizalde moved in to assist and the two officers worked together to provide immediate aid.
Elizalde applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) and Ostrega delivered a shock as the AED advised. Elizalde began chest compressions and the victim soon began to regain consciousness.
In a ceremony in the Elmhurst Police Department training room Wednesday, Sept. 6, the two officers were honored by Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean, before a gathering of fellow officers, family members of the victim, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin and City Manager James Grabowski.
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McLean read from the award certificates, which said in part, “Officers Elizalde and Ostrega are commended for their immediate response in identifying a cardiac medical emergency and their quick action providing lifesaving care prior to the arrival of medical staff.”
In remarks to those assembled, McLean noted that the department strives to recognize good work by its officers. “Sometimes it’s solving a case that’s really tough to solve,” McLean said, “sometimes it’s catching a criminal and protecting the residents of the community and sometimes it’s saving somebody’s life — and that’s what happened back in July.”
Many of the victim’s family members, including children and grandchildren, were in attendance and McLean thanked them for reaching out to the department and for letting him know they wanted to thank the officers personally.
Those thanks included cookies and cupcakes and a stuffed bear for each officer as a commemorative gift.
Elizalde spoke about working with Ostrega for a several years. “Glad he was there,” Elizalde said, “and glad we were able to do what we did.”
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.