"Sometimes we kind of take it for granted because we are out here on a day-in and day-out basis. We respond to all types of runs from the most minute run to some of the most egregious and the most serious." said Oak Park Public Safety Director Steve Cooper to Officers David Gifford, Kyle McFarland, and Adam Langford during the City Council Meeting held on October 16 for quickly, responsively and decisively administering three cycles of CPR, utilizing two doses of automated external defibrillator treatment, and performing rescue breathing to a subject that was without vital signs when officer's arrived to an emergency call on Sunday, June 25 at 10 p.m. The patient has made a full recovery.

"I don't think there is a higher honor that could be bestowed upon these young men," said Director Cooper. "Due to the quick, responsive and decisive actions of Officers Gifford, Langford and McFarland, the resident's life was saved."

The officers were also honored by the American Heart Association for acting courageously and swiftly to perform a heroic act of CPR during a critical act in the chain of survival to improve the life of citizens. 

Officer David Gifford, a three-year veteran of the Department currently serving as a Field Training Officer was on-hand at the October 18 City Council Meeting to accept his award. "Officer Gifford is an extremely bright Officer with endless potential,' stated Director Steve Cooper. "I am proud to have him as a member of this Department."

Officer Kyle McFarland, a two-year veteran of the Department that is currently assigned to the midnight shift was also on location to receive his award. He currently serves as one of the Department's Evidence Technicians. "For only having been with this Department for a couple of years, I believe this is Officer MacFarland's third award," stated Director Cooper. "Officer MacFarland is also very bright and I am proud to have him as a member of this Department."

Officer Adam Langford, a two-year veteran of the Department who is currently assigned to the midnight shift was not present for the ceremony, but awarded a citation in absentia. "He is very bright and has excellent people-skills. I must say I do not ever recall seeing him in a bad mood." stated Director Cooper. "He is on his way to becoming a highly decorated officer and I am proud to have him as a member of our Department."

Congratulations to all!