ROLLING MEADOWS, Illinois — Rolling Meadows officials honored Ethan Mollenhauer, 13, with the city’s Lifesaving Award after he called 911 and performed CPR when his father, Rolling Meadows Police Commander Sam Mollenhauer, suffered cardiac arrest at home, according to Cardinal News.

Cardinal News reported that Rolling Meadows Fire Chief Peter Sutter and Police Chief Anthony Peluso presented the award during a Rolling Meadows City Council meeting.

A 911 call, CPR and a fast response

According to the local report, Ethan had received CPR training in school just one week before the emergency. When his father experienced the medical crisis, Ethan called 911 and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

The source report credited Ethan’s courage, composure and determination with helping save his father’s life. ThinBlueNews is keeping medical details limited to what was publicly reported.

Why the story matters

For Support Law Enforcement readers, the story is a reminder that public safety can begin before the first patrol car, ambulance or fire engine arrives. CPR training, calm 911 communication and quick family action can become the first link in a lifesaving chain.

It also shows the human side of police families. Commander Mollenhauer’s emergency happened away from the badge and the radio, and his teenage son’s school-based CPR training became the skill that mattered in the moment.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: ThinBlueNews used the real City of Rolling Meadows source photo published by Cardinal News and added headline/source labeling. No AI-generated police, family or incident imagery was used. Because the story involves a minor and a medical emergency, the article uses only publicly reported details and avoids private medical speculation.