Southern Illinois News

Illinois Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey applauds Marion police officer award recipient.

The Republican challenger to Governor JB Pritzker's seat gave his respect to the courageous police officer from Marion.

"Officer Sam Ward is a hero who is definitely deserving of this honor," Bailey said. "Thanks to his efforts, a child’s life was saved. As a parent and a grandparent, I am thankful there are officers like Sam Ward out there who through their training and quick thinking are equipped to respond to situations like this and save lives."

Marion Police Officer Sam Ward received the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Life Saving Award. Ward was honored for his efforts in resuscitating a seven-year-old child.

"Officer Ward's quick and decisive actions kept a young life from being cut short tragically," FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood said according to WSIL-TV. "Sam used his training, he knew what to do and a child is still with us to laugh, play and live because of it."

Ward successfully resuscitated a child named Mika Dotson after being called to the residence in mid-May of this year. The child began breathing again and regained a pulse after CPR was administered before being transported to Heartland Regional Medical Center, according to the Marion Republican.

Bailey, who is a strong supporter of law enforcement, has also recently received an endorsement from The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, KHQA reported. He was endorsed based on his pledge to repeal the widely panned SAFE-T Act if elected. Bailey stated that his administration would "cease attempting to make police the enemy."

The Xenia State Senator is a vocal opponent of Pritzker's stance on the contentious law, which Bailey and law enforcement agencies fear will pave the way for the release of accused violent criminals and allow them to roam the streets of Illinois once again.