Bartlett Police Sergeant Chris Johnson, 42, is marking Thanksgiving with a renewed sense of gratitude after surviving a rare and often fatal cardiovascular emergency earlier this year. In March, Johnson suffered a Type A aortic dissection, which is a tear in the wall of the body’s main artery. This condition is responsible for nearly 13,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Johnson’s ordeal began when initial scans failed to detect the tear. Emergency physicians at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital ordered further imaging that revealed his life-threatening condition. The hospital then activated its Code Aorta "Direct-to-OR" program, which led to Johnson being airlifted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for immediate surgery.
"An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency where every second counts. Most patients will die without immediate surgery," said Christopher K. Mehta, MD, cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. "In this case rapid diagnosis and transfer through our Corta Aorta program were critical to get him to definitive surgery so we could save his life."
Following six hours of open-heart surgery and ten days in intensive care, Johnson began rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. His therapy was designed not only to restore basic movement but also to prepare him for returning to police work.
“I 100 percent would not have been able to come back like I did if it wasn’t for the help of Marianjoy,” said Johnson. “It was a lot of work—arm exercises, hand exercises, fine motor skills like putting pegs in holes with one hand. All that repetitiveness helped me get back to the job I love.”
Beth Bosak, occupational therapist at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, explained how Johnson’s recovery plan focused on rebuilding skills necessary for both his home life and duties as an officer: “We look at roles—what’s important to them at home and at work,” Bosak said. “For Chris, that meant simulating tasks that use the same muscles and cognitive skills he needs as a police officer. We break down every movement—what muscles, what coordination, what brain function—and rebuild it step by step. It was incredible to see him accomplish those things, even on days he left discouraged.”
After weeks of rehabilitation and support from his family—including his wife and two children—Johnson returned home determined to change habits related to diet and self-care while continuing his career with Bartlett Police Department.
“Every day I take it one step at a time,” Johnson said. “I’ve changed my eating habits, I’m more cautious, but I’m grateful to be here for my wife, my kids.”
His experience has also encouraged discussions about wellness among law enforcement officers in Bartlett.
“He’s one of those guys with a joyful spirit who wants to make an impact in the community,” said Bartlett Deputy Chief William Naydenoff. “His goal from day one was to get back to work full duty. If you looked at him on a Monday, by Wednesday he was light years ahead.”
Johnson’s long-standing friendship with Bartlett Chief Ryan Conway played an important role during his recovery.
“Chris and I have been close since high school,” Conway said. “When I heard what happened, I called and left a message: ‘I love you, dude. I know you’re going to be all right.’ We wanted his wife and kids to know they had a family behind them—bigger than they imagined. Law enforcement as a whole was pulling for them.” Conway added: “I truly believe he was spared for a higher purpose. His strength and work ethic inspire all of us.”
Ten weeks after surgery Johnson returned fully active as an officer—a result that surprised colleagues and inspired many in the community.
Now advocating hypertension awareness among Black men and people working under stress-intensive conditions such as policing or emergency response roles—which are associated with increased risk factors—Johnson encourages regular health checkups: “We have to get away from that stigma of ‘I’m fine.’ Go get checked. Do your physicals, follow-ups, blood work. It could save your life,” he advised.
This Thanksgiving marks more than just another holiday for Johnson; it represents survival thanks largely due teamwork across several facilities within Northwestern Medicine’s network.
“I’m thankful for every doctor, nurse, therapist, and friend who worked together to give me a second chance—and for the chance to sit at the table with my family,” he said.
