Grayslake Man Wins Citizen's Heroism Award

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Grayslake man has received the Lake County Sheriff's Office's Citizen Heroism Award for saving the life of a 42-year-old woman who was choking. Authorities say Griffin Rebecca was in the right place at the right time on Feb. 6 when he spotted the woman standing outside her car on eastbound Route 120 near Mill Road in Wildwood.

Rebecca pulled over, discovered the woman was choking and could not breathe, and promptly performed the Heimlich maneuver. While doing this, the woman's large-breed dog began attacking Rebecca but Rebecca was still able to help save the woman's life, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Rebecca received the Citizens Heroism Award at a Wednesday awards ceremony put on by the sheriff's office.

At the ceremony, Lake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. David Tomasello received a life-saving award for saving the life of an unconscious driver who was suffering an opioid overdose at a busy intersection, according to a news release. Awards were also presented to deputies Stephan Campobasso, Eli Streeter, Chase Skrypek, Scott Musick, Trish List, and Marcus Bernardy for their work in investigating major crimes, successfully resolving an armed offender situation and evidence technician work.

“Every day our staff act heroically to keep the community safe," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. " They frequently go above and beyond the call of duty and they do so not for fame or recognition, but because of their deep desire to serve and help others. I am very proud to have the opportunity to highlight some of their great accomplishments and recognize members of our community who have done amazing things.”

Also during the Wednesday ceremony, Idleburg and Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor administered the Oath of Office to deputies Serge Troekurov and Alexis Avalos-Landeros, as well as to the sheriff's office's newest K9 officer. Fifth grader Norah Gault of Barrington was honored for winning the ‘youth canine naming contest’ with her submission of the name ‘Danno,’ which was ultimately selected for the K9 officer's name.