Lake Co. Deputies Lauded For Saving Man's Life

BEACH PARK, IL — Three Lake County Sheriff's Office deputies are credited with saving the life of a 42-year-old Beach Park man who attempted to kill himself inside his garage last week, police said. Two of the officers went to the man's home in the 39300 block of Castleford Lane in Beach Park about 11:45 a.m. 0n Nov. 22 to serve an order of protection, police said.

The man didn't answer the door and so authorities left the residence. After learning the man had missed two days of work, deputies attempted to call him, but he didn't answer. They left a message explaining why they'd gone to his home, according to a news release.

A short while later, the man returned their call and said he was home and available to be served, police said. Deputies returned to the residence around 1:10 p.m. and knocked on the door. Again, no one answered, police said.

The deputies noticed a vehicle was running in the closed garage. They also saw someone sitting inside, police said. A third deputy arrived at the scene, and all three forced their way into the garage.

The deputies got the man, who was conscious but not breathing, out of the carbon monoxide-filled garage and carried him to safety. The man was taken to a local hospital where he is expected recover. Authorities said he will also receive mental health care.

Lake County Sheriff's John Idleburg lauded the heroic actions of deputies Tom Flores, Brain Kilpatrick and Kyle Macko. He also said his staff "routinely go above and beyond" the call of duty.

"Instead of simply leaving the residence after no receiving an answer at the door, they did some additional investigating and found the man actively attempting suicide," Idleburg said. "The three deputies sprang into action and undoubtedly saved his life."

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, visiting this website or by texting HOME to 741741.