Off-Duty Police Sergeant Saves Drowning Boy in Orland

Chicago, IL -- An off-duty Chicago Police officer saved the life of a drowning boy at a backyard pool party in Orland Park on Saturday, according to Orland Fire Protection District Chief Michael Schofield.

Schofield credited the officer's fast action to apply CPR after the boy, who was between 10 and 12 years of age, was pulled from the bottom of a pool around 6 p.m. The child was in full cardiac arrest, according to the fire district.

CPD press conference, July 18, 2016

Schofield said the Orland Fire Protection District dispatched an ambulance and fire truck to an Orland Park home on Steeplechase Parkway in response to a 911 call.

When EMS arrived, the boy was conscious and breathing thanks to the fast action of a guest who turned out to be an off-duty Chicago Police Officer who had emergency training.

The boy was a visitor at the home during a family party.

So was Chicago Police Sgt. Cindy Guerra, who restored the child's breathing and heartbeat.

“I understand that Ms. Guerra was very humble and was thanking us for being there,” Schofield said in a statement issued by the fire district. “But she is a real hero and deserves to be honored for her actions today which saved the life of a young boy. The first few minutes in any emergency situation like this are critical to saving a life and having civilians and other professionals at the scene of an emergency trained in health saving procedures will always help make a positive difference. We are all thankful for Ms. Guerra."

The boy was taken by ambulance to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox for observation and follow-up treatment.