Kendall County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Johnson

Kendall County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Johnson will be in attendance at President Barack Obama’s last State of the Union address tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 12).

Johnson, who has received praised for his recent rescue of a motorist from a vehicle sinking in a retention pond, will be the guest of  U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren, R-14.

“Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Johnson is a hero and servant to our community, putting his life on the line to protect our residents,” said Hultgren said in a statement released Jan 11.

“Wading into icy cold water on New Year’s Day to rescue a woman trapped inside her sinking car, Deputy Johnson put his life in danger to save hers. As he told my office, these situations demonstrate what each of us can be capable of when we’re put to the ‘ultimate test.’ There’s no doubt he passed with flying colors,” Hultgren said.

Johnson arrived at Stonewater Lane and Washington Street in Oswego at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 1 for a report of an occupied vehicle in a retention pond at that location.

As one of the first responders on the scene, Johnson saw the vehicle that was nearly 100 feet off shore sinking into the pond, according to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.

The vehicle eventually became completely submerged.

With air temperature wind chill readings of -1 and water temperatures just above freezing, Johnson entered the water, swimming to the vehicle in an attempt to rescue the driver and sole occupant, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

After several attempts, Johnson was able to break out the rear window of the vehicle, and pull the driver from the car. Officer Ben Hackl of the Oswego Police Department assisted Johnson.

“As a longtime servant to several counties in the 14th District, he’s a heroic example to our community and our nation. I thank the sheriff’s office for giving him the day off and look forward to him joining me at the State of the Union address,” he said.

“Sheriff Baird and the entire Sheriff’s Office family are extremely proud of the courageous and life-saving actions taken by Deputy Johnson in the early morning hours of this New Year,” said Kendall County Chief Deputy Scott Koster.

He  praised Johnson for his dedication and commitment to serving the public and added his character reflects that of the department and law enforcement across the country.

The  Sheriff’s Office thanked Hultgren for the recognition. “It’s a great honor to have Tyler representing the Sheriff’s Office at the 2016 Presidential State of the Union address,” Koster said.

Deputy Johnson of Oswego grew up in Aurora and attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., where he majored in criminal justice and sociology. Before joining the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office two years ago, Johnson worked for juvenile justice and probation centers in Kane and DuPage counties. He is married with a young daughter.

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— Kendall deputy to be at President’s State of the Union tonight —