HULTGREN ANNOUNCES STATE OF THE UNION GUEST |
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Congressman Randy Hultgren
8 January 2016
Jan 8, 2016 | Press Release
Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced he has invited Kendall County Sheriff's Deputy Tyler Johnson, who heroically rescued a motorist from a sinking vehicle, as his guest at the State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Deputy Johnson was assisted by Officer Ben Hackl of the Oswego Police Department.
“Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Johnson is a hero and servant to our community, putting his life on the line to protect our residents,” said Rep. Hultgren. “Wading into icy cold water on New Year’s Day to rescue a woman trapped inside her sinking car, Deputy Johnson put his life in danger to save hers. As he told my office, these situations demonstrate what each of us can be capable of when we’re put to the ‘ultimate test.’ There’s no doubt he passed with flying colors. As a longtime servant to several counties in the 14th District, he’s a heroic example to our community and our nation. I thank the Sheriff’s office for giving him the day off and look forward to him joining me at the State of the Union address.”
“Sheriff Baird and the entire Sheriff’s Office family are extremely proud of the courageous and life-saving actions taken by Deputy Johnson in the early morning hours of this New Year,” said Chief Deputy Scott Koster. “Deputy Johnson’s dedication and commitment to the citizens he serves reflects not only on his personal character, but that of his fellow Deputies, and law enforcement officers throughout this nation. We appreciate Representative Hultgren’s recognition of Deputy Johnson’s exemplary service, as well as his unwavering support for law enforcement. It’s a great honor to have Tyler representing the Sheriff’s Office at the 2016 Presidential State of the Union address.”
Following is an account of the incident from the Kendall County Sheriff’s office:
"Kendall County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Johnson arrived at Stonewater Lane and Washington Street in Oswego at approximately 1:50 AM on New Year's Day for a report of an occupied vehicle in a retention pond at that location. As one of the first responders on the scene, Johnson saw the vehicle (which was nearly 100 feet off shore) sinking into the pond, eventually becoming completely submerged. With air temperature wind chill readings of -1 and water temperatures just above freezing, Deputy Johnson entered the water, swimming to the vehicle in an attempt to rescue the driver and sole occupant. After several attempts, he was able to break out the rear window of the vehicle, and extract the driver from the car.
"With the help of Oswego Police officers on the scene, Deputy Johnson was able to bring the driver safely to the shore. Deputy Johnson was treated and released for hypothermia and minor injuries he sustained while breaking out the vehicle window. He is currently doing well and in good spirits."