St. Charles Police Officer Jennifer Larsen is the Kane County Officer of the Year. Officer Larsen is recognized for saving the life of a baby in 2018 when responding to a 911 call for help.
Officer Larsen was presented with the special award Feb. 27, 2019, at Annual Kane County Officer of the Year banquet. The banquet is hosted by Batavia Moose Lodge 682 and the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association. She was nominated by St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan.
On May 7, 2018, Officer Larsen was dispatched to assist an ambulance with a possible cardiac arrest patient. When Officer Larsen arrived, she met the father who was carrying an infant victim. The father said he discovered the baby had fallen off the bed. The adult watching the child was unaware the fall had occurred. A combination of circumstances led to the child not being discovered for almost 20 minutes. Due to the angle that the child’s head came to rest between the bed and wall, breathing became restricted. By the time the father discovered the child, she was blue and not breathing.
Officer Larsen took control of the situation and immediately assessed the child’s condition. She promptly applied a sternum rub without any response from the child. She was unable to locate a pulse and initiated chest compressions. The infant physically reacted and her pulse was restored. The St. Charles Fire Department arrived and the paramedics took over patient care.
The attending doctor at Delnor Hospital determined Officer Larsen’s quick and decisive actions saved the child’s life.
Officer Larsen’s fast thinking and decisive actions during this stressful and disturbing event is a testament to her character, skills and training,” said St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan. “She displayed a prime example of the level of service, commitment and professionalism the St. Charles Police Department strives to give each and every citizen it serves. We are all very proud to have Officer Larsen on our team.”
Kane County State’s Attorney Joseph McMahon, St. Charles Police Officer Jennifer Larsen and St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan at the Kane County Officer of the Year banquet. Officer Larsen was named Kane County Officer of the Year for saving the life of a baby in 2018.
