City of Aurora Water & Sewer Division employees Daniel Chavez, left, and Josh Elrod saved a 1-year-old baby's life last week while out in the field performing routine duties. Their split-second decisions made the difference between life and death.

City of Aurora Employees Save Baby's Life

Kane County Connects Staff and City of Aurora 9/27/2023 6:00AM

A 1-year-old baby is still alive thanks to the life-saving actions of two City of Aurora employees.

Both heroes were honored Tuesday, Sept. 26, by Mayor Richard Irvin, the Aurora City Council, and the child's family.

As Daniel Chavez and Josh Elrod, who work in the city's Water & Sewer Division, handled routine duties last week, a startling scream changed the course of their day.

The desperate wailing was from a mother in a nearby house who discovered her 1-year-old son unresponsive on the couch, grabbed him, and rushed outside to seek help.

Josh and Daniel immediately ran to the yard down the block.

Faced with a language barrier, Josh turned to Daniel to translate and communicate in Spanish with the mother who held her lifeless child in her arms.

As Josh called 911, Daniel placed the baby on the ground to perform CPR.

By the time the paramedics arrived a few minutes later, the baby was breathing again and crying loudly.

"They helped in a life-and-death situation that may have turned out very differently if not for their quick thinking and actions," said Aurora Fire Chief David McCabe.

The dynamic duo were feted and recognized for their heroic actions during a recognition ceremony at the Aurora City Council Meeting at the city hall, 44 E. Downer Place.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of City of Aurora

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