Des Plaines Police Chief William Kushner, at the Tuesday, January 22, 2013 City Council Meeting, granted Life Saving Awards to Sergeant Sean Flanagan, Officer Patrick Brzezinski, Officer James Lave, Officer Martin Reutimann, and Officer Marcus Benavidez for an incident that occurred on November 4, 2012. Officers responded to a husband/wife domestic disturbance call. When they arrived they were informed by the wife that the husband’s intention was to cause the officers to shoot and kill him. The officers were able to ascertain that the husband, who was in the detached garage, was unarmed and suicidal. As the officers approached the garage, they heard noises coming from within. The officers entered the unlocked garage and found the husband with an electrical cord wound around his neck and tied to a rafter. Thanks to the officers’ quick response, the subject was subdued and transported for treatment and evaluation. (pictured left to right) Officer Martin Reutimann, Officer James Lave, Officer Patrick Brzezinski, Officer Marcus Benavidez, Sergeant Sean Flanagan and Chief William Kushner are photographed at City Hall during the January 22, 2013 City Council Meeting as the Chief explains the issuance of the Life Saving Awards.
