Des Plaines Police Officer Honored for Saving Man’s Life

A Des Plaines man survived a medical emergency thanks to the quick action of a Des Plaines police officer recognized for his response at the city council meeting on Monday.

Des Plaines Police Chief William Kushner and Mayor Martin Moylan presented Officer Dave Kerfman the Life-Saving Award plaque and medal to a standing ovation at City Hall.

Kerfman located an unresponsive 47-year-old man without a pulse at a Des Plaines business at approximately 4:20 a.m. on Aug. 2, Kushner said.

“Kerfman immediately began life-saving procedures by administering chest compressions,” Kushner said.

Kerfman continued giving the man chest compressions until the Des Plaines Fire Department arrived, Kushner said.

“The victim eventually regained a pulse and a faint heartbeat, and was transported to Lutheran General Hospital,” Kushner said. “It was later learned that the victim survived. The Des Plaines firefighters/paramedics stated that due to Officer Kerfman’s quick and lifesaving actions the victim was able to be resuscitated and his life saved.”

Kerfman’s quick thinking and calm demeanor during a lifesaving incident made it possible for him to help save a victim’s life, Kushner said.

Kushner said Kerfman’s actions brought credit to himself, the Des Plaines Police Department and the City of Des Plaines.

Related: Read about more Des Plaines police officers and firefighters that were recognized with the Life-Saving Award.

The police department’s Life Saving Award is given to officers for an act performed in the line of duty, which, through prompt and alert action, results in saving a life, a memo from Deputy Chief Mike Kozak to City Manager Michael Bartholomew stated.

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