Lake County Gazette

Employees of the Lake County Sheriff's Office saved the life of a man who was attempting self-harm on August 31 in unincorporated Gurnee. 911 Emergency Telecommunicators received a call from the man's wife at approximately 10:30 p.m.

According to a Lake County Sheriff's Office news release, the man was in mental distress and threatened to hang himself. He then went to a detached garage and locked the door, prompting his wife to call 911.

Sheriff's telecommunicators shared information they received from the caller and relayed it to responding deputies. The first deputy arrived within minutes at the scene. She forced entry through the locked side door of the garage and found the man hanging inside. She grabbed him by his feet and legs to lift him up and relieve pressure on his neck. A second deputy arrived shortly after and cut the man down.

Paramedics arrived and began care, according to the news release. The man was transported to an area hospital, where he was breathing and had a pulse.

The Sheriff's Office offered a reminder that community members are never alone. "Anyone who needs someone to talk to, or needs services, can call or text 988, 24/7, or the Lake County Crisis Care Line at 847-377-8088," stated the news release.