Andrew Wilson (Fox 32 image)

The 16-year-old son of an Elgin police officer is credited with saving a young girl’s life after performing CPR at a chess conference in Peoria earlier this month.

Andrew Wilson, the son of Elgin police officer Greg Wilson, will be honored with a lifesaving award at the annual police employee recognition ceremony on March 6 at the Centre of Elgin.

“You’ve just gotta love this kid!” Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda says on the Elgin Police Department Facebook page. “Way to go, Andrew — we can’t say it enough!”

The incident occurred on Friday, Feb. 13 at a chess conference in Peoria. Andrew Wilson heard yelling from the hotel pool area at the conference site and a request for someone  who knew CPR.

The Streamwood High School student went to the pool area and began to perform CPR on an unidentified young girl, and by utilizing his CPR skills that he learned from the Elgin Police Explorer program, he was able to save her life.

Andrew Wilson has been an Elgin Police Explorer since 2013. He has participated in more than 60 hours of service to the community working at various events.

He’s  not only dedicated to the Explorer program but to his school work and school related activities.

“I am proud of Andrew and all the Explorers, for their service to our community,” Swoboda said. “I am also proud of the members of the Elgin Police Department who participate in the program and serve as mentors and teachers, providing guidance and training for the Explorers.”