Page 52 - May 2018 FOP Magazine

100 Club of Chicago recognizes the valor of two CPD officers
n BY DAN CAMPANA
The 100 Club of Chicago’s annual Valor Awards featured a pair of Chicago Police Officers receiving the special honor.
Officers Victoria Mendoza and David Perez were responding to a reported armed robbery at a store in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in July 2017 when they came upon two men who were casually walking down the street. One of the men matched the description of a suspect provided by dispatch. The men started to flee, and one of them looked backward and grabbed at his waistband.
The man fired off one shot, striking Mendoza in the leg. She later noticed two holes in her pant leg and realized it was caused by a through-and-through shot. After calling in that she had been shot, Mendoza started to apply a tourniquet but had trou- ble lifting her leg. A man from a nearby business came out and helped her raise her leg while awaiting medical assistance.
Following the shooting, Mendoza received a number of get- well cards from local children at a Bridgeport-area day camp. She even surprised the kids by appearing at the camp later in the summer to thank the kids and answer their questions.
Since 1980, the 100 Club of Chicago has given this prestigious award to those who have performed actions above and beyond the call of duty. It is the only civilian award that is permitted to be worn on the uniform in every municipality within Cook and
From left, Officers David Perez and Victoria Mendoza with 100 Club of Chi- cago CEO Joe Ahern (center).
Lake counties.
The 100 Club also received a $100,000 donation from CVS
Health to support the Valor Awards and to help further the orga- nization’s mission.
“The 100 Club is so excited to begin this partnership with CVS Health,” said 100 Club of Chicago CEO Joe Ahern. “Support like this helps ensure that we are able to provide for our families when tragedy strikes. We are beyond grateful for their support of our first responders.” d
52 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2018