DeKalb Times

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which takes place on January 9th, was established in 2015 by various organizations, including Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). The purpose of this day is to show respect and recognition to law enforcement officers who have chosen a challenging career path and work tirelessly to protect and uphold the law.

In Illinois, there are numerous heartwarming stories of police officers performing heroic acts both on and off duty. One such story involves 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 located the man underwater and pulled him to safety, saving him from drowning.

Another inspiring incident occurred in Marion in 2022. Officer Sam Ward of the Marion Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a 7-year-old girl who was not breathing. Upon arrival, Ward found the child turning blue. He immediately performed life-saving CPR, including mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions, ultimately reviving the girl. Officer Ward's heroic actions were recognized by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, and he was able to reunite with the girl whose life he saved.

In Decatur, three officers were awarded the Department's Medal of Valor in 2022 for their bravery during an early-morning shootout. Officers Austin Bowman and Timothy Wittmer, members of the department's Community Action Team, were injured in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop that escalated into gunfire. These officers, along with their colleagues, work tirelessly to seize illegal firearms and ensure the safety of their community.

Similarly, four Bensenville officers were honored with the Police Medal of Valor in 2022 by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. They responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a mother and son, during which Officer Steven Kotlewski was shot multiple times, sustaining severe injuries. Despite the danger, the other officers managed to save Kotlewski's life by slowing down the bleeding and transporting him to medical professionals. Officer Kristian Casillas apprehended the suspect with assistance from an officer from Elmhurst. Officer Kotlewski's determination and resilience were evident as he returned to work just six weeks after undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive therapy.

The bravery of Springfield officers Juan Resendez and Nicholas Renfro was demonstrated in 2020 when they rescued an 83-year-old man from a burning home. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers swiftly kicked down a door and pulled the man to safety as smoke and flames engulfed the residence.

Finally, in Dixon in 2018, a school resource officer named Mark Dallas displayed immense courage as he stopped an armed teenager at a high school, potentially saving countless lives. The former student had fired several shots near a gym, prompting Officer Dallas to report the incident and pursue the suspect. Despite being fired upon, Officer Dallas returned fire and successfully apprehended the gunman.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day serves as a reminder to show support and appreciation for the difficult work and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. Whether it be 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 demonstrate their gratitude for these dedicated individuals.

As C.O.P.S. notes, "law enforcement officers have chosen a difficult career path and need to be shown respect and recognition by the people who they protect and uphold the law for." This sentiment rings true in Illinois, where the heroic actions of officers like Ryan Franczak, Sam Ward, Austin Bowman, Timothy Wittmer, Steven Kotlewski, Kristian Casillas, Juan Resendez, Nicholas Renfro, and Mark Dallas remind us of the selflessness and bravery that law enforcement officers display daily.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repkeicher.com/2024/01/09/celebrating-illinois-hero-officers-on-national-law-enforcement-appreciation-day/