HONORING KANE COUNTY OFFICER OF THE YEAR DEAN TUCKER

Congressman Randy Hultgren
12 May 2016

May 12, 2016 | Press Release

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) honored Kane County 2016 Officer of the Year Dean Tucker on the House floor for his heroic actions to save the life of a 7-year-old girl.

Rep. Hultgren delivered the following prepared remarks:

I rise today to congratulate Officer Dean Tucker on being named Kane County’s Officer of the Year for saving the life of a 7-year-old girl.

Last June, Officer Tucker responded to reports of an early morning two-car collision. Upon arrival, witnesses alerted him to an SUV believed to be submerged at the bottom of a retention pond.

Surveying the scene from the shore line, Tucker spotted 7-year-old Monserrat Alanis Ramirez 40 yards away, flailing on the surface.

Acting decisively, Officer Tucker quickly removed his gear, dove into the water and wrapped his arms around the girl to keep her afloat.

Fatigue quickly set in and Tucker called out to fellow Aurora Police Officer David Bliss and a passerby for help.

The passerby provided support swimming alongside Tucker, while Officer Bliss waded in and pulled Tucker and the girl to safety.

Tragically, Monserrat’s mother and brother did not survive.

However, the brave actions of Officer Tucker prevented further loss, and we solute his selfless courage.