Page 43 - April 2017 Newsletter

Members Only Section
16th District honors 4-year-old hero
The 16th District welcomed its youngest, albeit honor- ary, officer during a special ceremony in March to hail a young hero.
Four-year-old Aria Koval was home with her mother, Sue, and younger sister on March 10 when Sue suffered a severe asthma attack that left her unresponsive. Remem- bering what her parents had shown her previously, Aria dialed 911. Although she sounded scared, her words gave dispatchers enough information to send officers to the family’s Jefferson Park home.
A responding officer found Sue on the floor, covered with a blanket Aria had placed on her. Two asthma inhal- ers were near her on the floor.
Commander William Looney welcomed Aria to roll call, where the preschool-age girl received her junior po- lice officer hat and badge. Looney presented a framed commendation and praised her “courageous, calm and quick-thinking action.”
Aria joined Looney to inspect officers beginning their
shift, even lending her soft-spoken voice to call out the squads on duty. Aria got a little shy when all the TV report- ers and cameras focused on her for a comment, but others stepped up to describe how well she did under pressure.
Officer Anne Belluomini, who arrived on the scene, told reporters “it was absolutely amazing” that Aria was able to make the call and lead police to her ailing mother.
Added Sue Koval, “She’s my hero.”d
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