Page 24 - July2021

Chicago Lodge 7 Officer Awards
On March 16, a citywide two-day vehicle hijacking operation was con- ducted that utilized air support from CPD and the Department of Home- land Security, as well as members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. An armed hijacking of an Uber driver by three juvenile offenders had just occurred at 398 E. 95th Street. The offenders traveled to downtown Chi- cago, where their crime spree contin- ued when they committed an armed robbery. A short time later, on I-290, Task Force personnel observed the offenders’ vehicle and relayed the in- formation to the ISP, who attempted to curb the vehicle; the offenders fled and made good their escape.
The air support units, Troy 1 and PH, became involved and instrumen- tal in relaying directions and keeping the offending vehicle in view. The air support they provided proved invalu- able to the apprehension of the hi- jackers, who were all too aware of the Department’s “no chase” policy. This incident traveled through 011, 001, 022, 004, multiple suburbs and subse- quently into Merrillville, Indiana. The offenders were finally apprehended
by Indiana law enforcement and tak- en into custody.
This event is only one of many in which air support and the task force have worked in tandem to remove vi- olent offenders from the streets while
keeping the public and police officers safe.
It is with great appreciation that Chicago Lodge 7 presents the Vehicu- lar Hijacking Task Force officers with the Distinguished Service Award.
Chicago Police Officers
Police Officer Anthony Bansley, Star #19260 Police Officer Mark Fritzsche, Star #17202 Police Officer Sean Piazza, Star #3969 Police Officer Brian Raniere, Star #5496 Police Officer Bradley Hespe, Star #15218
Cook County Sheriff’s Police
Police Officer George Anton, Star #734 Police Officer Jorge Gali, Star #174 Police Officer James Gosling, Star #712 Police Officer Michael Murphy, Star #449
Todd Cox, Air Interdiction Agent/
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Paul Lindey, Task Force Officer/Homeland Security
Nominated by Sergeant Kevin Sellers, Star #841, Unit 606
24 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2021
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