Chicago Police Officers Honored for Valor

Almost one year ago, on June 6, 2014, Chicago Police officers Michael M. Wrobel and Javier Alonso were shot on the South Side by a man police had just pulled over. The officers suspected he was carrying a gun.

Wrobel was shot in the chest, in his bulletproof vest. Two more shots flew past his head. Yet in the midst of the shootout with the suspect, he was able to drive to Alonso, help the wounded officer into his car, and speed him to a hospital.

For that, Wrobel, a seven-year veteran assigned to gang enforcement, was presented with the Police Medal during the 54th annual Police Recognition Ceremony this week. It’s the department’s highest honor. Both he and Alonso also received the Superintendent’s Award of Valor and the Police Blue Star Award, which is presented to officers wounded in the line of duty.

Three other officers targeted by the gunman, Lawrence W. Kerr, Joel A. Bentley and LaDonna F. Simmons, also each earned the superintendent’s valor award.

» more via the Chicago Tribune