LCFPD Chief Ron Davis, Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District Chief Greg Fromica, Deputy Fire Chief Eric Hair

The Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Police presented Sgt. James Harrison with an honorable mention award Friday, February 21 for his exceptional bravery and quick thinking. 

While on routine patrol on February 12, Harrison encountered a serious traffic accident. A vehicle was on fire and the driver, injured and trapped, needed immediate help. Sgt. Harrison and Officer Brittany Fears from the Round Lake Park Police Department quickly sprang into action.

The officers used the fire extinguishers in their cars to put out the fire that was under the vehicle’s hood. The victim had a compound fracture and was unable to move on her own, said Lt. Shane Page with Round Lake Fire Department. “According to witnesses, the fire was spreading fast and was sizeable.

“I feel that the actions of these officers saved the life of our patient and allowed us to extricate her in the proper manner for her injuries as opposed to an emergency due to fire. I have no doubt their actions saved our patient a lot of pain and further serious injuries,” Page said.

The patient was transported to the hospital for further treatment.

"Sgt. Harrison's decisive action saved a life. His bravery and clear thinking in a crisis set a strong example for our department and our community," said Police Chief Ron Davis of Lake County Forest Preserves. “This shows the impact we have on the public and displays the strong relationships we have with residents and other local public safety departments.”

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