'Incredible Act Of Bravery:' Kids Honored For Saving Man In Lake Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Four boys were recently honored at a District 41 board meeting for saving a man who was in distress in Lake Ellyn in mid-June.

District 41 Superintendent Dr. Melissa Kaczkowski, who introduced the boys, Declan Devlin, Tiernan Devlin, Thomas Nitti and Charlie Valerio, called the rescue "an incredible act of bravery."

The four had been playing at Lake Ellyn Park around 7:30 p.m. on June 17, when they heard cries for help, Glen Ellyn Police Chief Philip Norton said at the Oct. 2 board meeting.

Norton explained that the man had tried to swim to retrieve a remote control boat that had malfunctioned on the lake.

"Charlie heard the initial screams, alerted Thomas and Declan, who immediately ran to Thomas's nearby house and retrieved a kayak and life vest," Norton said.

The boys paddled the kayak to reach the man, gave him a life preserver, then "took turns paddling the kayak back to the shore," per Norton, who added, that "the quick actions of these young men" helped prevent a tragedy.

The boys were each given a certificate, a challenge coin and police patch in recognition of their actions. Norton explained that the challenge coins were traditionally exchanged between soldiers for an "exemplary act of heroism."

Declan and Devlin's mother added, "I think the power of working together is what's so special about this story."