Former Arlington Heights Police Officer Talks about Accident

Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge hosted a Trauma Day panel last week for students at Maine East and Immaculate Conception Junior High School. The panel not only warned kids about distracted driving, and the importance of using seat belts, but it also introduced the kids to the field of healthcare.

Former Arlington Heights police office, Timothy Sheehan, 55, recounted his 2006 car accident when he was on duty. Sheehan was stopped at a red light on Euclid and Northwest Hwy when a drunk driver slammed into his squad car, causing traumatic injuries to Sheehan and killing the other driver.

Sheehan was in a coma for over eight weeks and today can only walk short distances. Sheehan explains to the kids that the single factor that kept him alive was wearing his seat belt, the other driver did not and was ejected from his car.

The student heard from other accident survivors and also were able to use impairment goggles, visit the helicopter pad, saw police and fire drills and saw a mock surgery.

A great opportunity for these students.