Officer Gets Nod For Recognizing Medical Emergency During Traffic Stop

By Sam Borcia, the Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A police officer has been recognized after he stopped a driver last month for a traffic violation in Huntley and called an ambulance for the female driver, who ended up being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The Huntley Police Department said Officer Rich Miller conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in June. The driver indicated that she was not feeling well due to a sinus infection.

Miller’s years of experience and instincts told him something else was going on, officials said.

He called for paramedics and after an assessment, members of the Huntley Fire Protection District transported her to the hospital. A few weeks later, the driver contacted Miller to thank him for saving her life.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was surgically removed the following day.

Without his care and rapid action, she likely would not have been diagnosed and treated as quickly as she was, the police department said.

“We wish this resident the best as she continues to recover and thank her for sharing her story with us. It is a great reminder that even the most seemingly mundane acts may have profound effects for others that you never see,” the police department said.

Chief of Police Robert Porter recently presented a letter of commendation to Miller for his actions.

“You never know how one small action can impact someone else’s life,” the department added.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.