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4 receive Medals of Valor, one a Certificate of Recognition

The ILACP this week recognized four individuals for their exceptional professionalism and heroism during an extremely dangerous event. On August 

13, 2018, three Park Forest law enforcement personnel— Sergeant Julius Moore and Officers David Habecker and Charles Karl— and one officer from Richton Park PD, Ryan Dahlberg of Richton Park PD, responded to a report that a victim had been shot on the 400 block of Suwanee Street in Park

 

Forest, Illinois, where the suspect fled the scene. Sergeant Julius Moore responded immediately and located a subject matching the description. When the suspect refused to stop or follow any of the instructions, Sgt. Moore called for backup. The suspect began to point a handgun at the responding officers with a finger on the trigger. After an exchange of gunfire, the suspect ran and Officer Karl and the others proceeded to chase him on foot. While on the run, the suspect continued to point the weapon at officers and was eventually struck and taken down. 

ILACP 2nd Vice President Mitchell R. Davis III presented four Medal of Valor Awards on November 19, 2019, to the law enforcement personnel involvedfor their heroic attempt and success.

The ILACP also presented Rachel Wax of the Institute for the Juvenile Research a Certificate of Recognition for her major contributions to public safety in Illinois. In 2016, the Park Forest Police Department began a partnership with the Urban Youth Trauma Center to better serve juveniles in the area. Ms. Wax, the Program Manager of the Center, has helped create a Youth Violence Prevention Engagement where youth participate in a 16-hour program. Ms. Wax has personally faciliated each of the classes. The program was so successful that some of the youth who completed the program expressed a desire to remain in contact. Additionally, Ms. Wax brought stakeholders who provide juvenile services across a broad spectrum together to host a Youth Services Provider Summit in Park Forest.

Again, ILACP  2nd VP Mitchell R. Davis III presented Ms. Wax with the honor. 

The presentations occurred during a Park Forest Village Board meeting.