Lake County Gazette

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which was established by multiple organizations in 2015, serves as an important reminder to show respect and recognition to law enforcement officers who have chosen a challenging career path. The day aims to change the negative portrayal of police officers and raise awareness about the difficult decisions they make in the best interest of citizens and the law.

In Illinois, there are numerous heartwarming stories of police officers performing heroic acts both on and off duty. One such example is Palos Park police officer Ryan Franczak, who was on vacation in Arizona last summer. While water tubing in a river, Franczak noticed an older man fall off his tube and into dangerous rapids. Acting quickly, Franczak was able to find the man underwater and pull him to safety, ultimately saving his life.

Another remarkable incident occurred in Marion in 2022 when a police officer named Sam Ward responded to a 911 call about a 7-year-old girl who was not breathing. Upon arriving at the scene, Ward found the child turning blue and immediately performed life-saving CPR, including mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions. Thanks to his quick actions, the girl began to breathe again. Ward was later recognized by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and had the opportunity to reunite with the girl whose life he had saved.

In Decatur, three officers were awarded the Department's Medal of Valor for their actions during an early-morning shootout. Officers Austin Bowman and Timothy Wittmer, who were part of the department's Community Action Team, were injured in the line of duty while making a traffic stop. Despite the risks, they bravely confronted the situation and worked alongside the Decatur Street Crimes Unit to seize illegal firearms.

Four officers from Bensenville also received the Police Medal of Valor in 2022 from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for their heroic actions. These officers responded to a domestic disturbance call and were met with a dangerous situation involving a mother and son. Officer Steven Kotlewski was shot by the son, resulting in both of his legs being broken. Despite his injuries, Kotlewski was shot again, causing a severe arterial bleed. Thanks to the quick response and assistance from other officers, Kotlewski's life was saved, and he was eventually able to return to work after a challenging recovery process.

In Springfield, two officers, Juan Resendez and Nicholas Renfro, rescued an 83-year-old man from a burning home in 2020. Responding to a residential neighborhood, the officers kicked down a door and pulled the man to safety as smoke and flames closed in. Their swift actions undoubtedly saved the man's life.

In Dixon, a school resource officer named Mark Dallas demonstrated immense bravery when he stopped an armed teenager at a high school in 2018. The former student had fired shots near a gym, and Dallas, after reporting the incident, pursued the suspect. Despite being fired upon, Dallas returned fire and successfully detained the gunman, preventing further harm to the school community.

On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, it is important to show support for law enforcement officers and acknowledge the risks and sacrifices they make daily. Whether it's wearing blue clothing, sending a card of support to a local police department, or sharing positive stories about law enforcement on social media, citizens can express their gratitude for these dedicated individuals.

As Rep. Weber presented certificates of recognition to the Crystal Lake police officers responsible for getting justice for AJ Freund, it is clear that the contributions of our hero officers in Illinois should be celebrated and appreciated not only on this special day but every day.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repweber.com/2024/01/09/celebrating-illinois-hero-officers-on-national-law-enforcement-appreciation-day/