Kane County Board Honors Three Individuals for Heroism and Quick Thinking
The Kane County Board formally recognized three individuals during its August 12, 2025 meeting for their courage, composure, and swift action in the face of emergencies.
Eight-year-old Ace Holder was honored for his bravery and presence of mind during a family crisis on May 28, 2025. When his grandmother, and sole caregiver at the time, suddenly collapsed and became nearly unconscious in his room, Ace acted immediately. He dialed 9-1-1 and clearly communicated the emergency to dispatchers at KaneComm, Kane County's emergency communications center. Thanks to his quick response, Kane County Sheriff's deputies and emergency medical personnel arrived promptly and transported his grandmother to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Ace's calm demeanor turned a potentially tragic situation into one with a safe outcome, earning him the heartfelt gratitude and recognition of the Kane County Board and Sheriff Ron Hain, who made Ace an honorary Junior Sheriff's Deputy.
Also recognized were Nathan Muenz and Landen Whiteman, two friends whose split-second decision on July 15, 2025, helped law enforcement apprehend a fleeing suspect. Just after midnight, Kane County Sheriff's deputies and Batavia Police officers were engaged in a pursuit that ended in downtown Batavia, where three suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot.
Muenz and Whiteman, who were out enjoying a late-night fishing trip, heard the pursuit and spotted one of the suspects running nearby. Without hesitation, they chased down the fleeing individual and detained him until law enforcement officers arrived. Their courageous action helped ensure the successful arrest of all three suspects, who were later charged.
Both men were unable to attend the board meeting but family members were there to accept a proclamation recognizing them on their behalf.
The Kane County Board commended all three individuals for their heroism, civic responsibility and extraordinary presence of mind, recognizing their actions as powerful examples of community bravery and compassion.
