North Aurora Police Department Officer Mason Brant was recently recognized for his extraordinary heroism and professionalism during a critical emergency incident.

Mayor Mark Gaffino presented Officer Brant with the North Aurora Police Department’s Life Saving Award for his actions that directly saved a man’s life at last week’s Village Board meeting.

Sergeant Mike Robinson, who nominated Officer Brant for the award, said Officer Brant responded to a dispatch of a male subject who was possibly unconscious / not breathing near the Aurora / North Aurora border. Officer Brant was nearby at the time of the call and was the first responder on scene.

Sergeant Robinson said there is a significant amount of increased stress to be the first officer on scene for these types of calls, but said Officer Brant maintained his composure and was able to take control of the scene on his own, which involved the unconscious and not-breathing subject being located in a vehicle surrounded by a crowd, and immediately began performing CPR and continuing those efforts on his own until Aurora Fire and EMS arrived.

Once paramedics arrived, they took over care and compressions and a faint pulse was detected. Officer Brant then performed a sternum rub, prompting the individual to respond with a groan and verbal cues; all good signs. The victim was subsequently transported to the hospital for further treatment where he ultimately recovered.

Due to Officer Brant’s situational awareness, knowledge of the area to respond so quickly and his swift and decisive actions, a man’s life was saved.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Officer Brant, and thank you for your service and commitment to protecting our North Aurora community.