Two Lake County Forest Preserves police officers were honored Wednesday for their extraordinary dedication in locating a missing man.

Sgt. Bradley Ehrhardt was presented with a Meritorious Service Award, while Officer Michael Viramontes received a Lifesaving Award. Both officers were recognized with proclamations for their heroic efforts in rescuing a man who had been lost in Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve for about 13 hours in frigid 12-degree temperatures.

On November 29, a man was reported missing at 9 pm from his home in Wadsworth. His hoodie and gloves were found in an area of Wadsworth Savanna that is dense with brush and trees and has no developed trails. Drones and K-9 units were deployed. Officers from other agencies suspended the search after about six hours.

At sunrise the next morning, upon learning the man had not returned home, Sgt. Ehrhardt reactivated the search. All available on-duty officers divided up and continued the effort on foot, combing through the heavily wooded area.

After about two hours of searching, Viramontes found the man at about 10 am standing in a forested area near the train tracks at the southern end of the preserve. The man explained that he had started walking in the preserve as night fell but became lost and unable to find his way home.

“He had been wandering all night,” said Cmdr. Scott Banaszynski. “Thankfully, he kept moving, which likely saved his life by helping him stay warmer than if he had stopped or fallen asleep in the freezing conditions.”

Newport Township paramedics took the man to Condell Hospital where he was treated for frostbite and irregular heartbeat, likely caused by prolonged exposure to the cold.

“We’re incredibly grateful that he’s safe and recovering well,” Banaszynski said.

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