Page 32 - December 2019 FOP Magazine

With heartfelt thanks
Chicago Police Department shares gratitude for young girl who goes above and beyond for officers’ safety
n BY AMBER RAMUNDO
As his story spread across national news and social media, the country reacted to Chicago Police Officer Adam Wazny’s awe-inspiring recovery from a near-fatal shooting. On Sept. 21, the 16-year veteran was shot four times while serving a war- rant to a violent offender.
At the scene, the officer’s wounds had left him close to bleed- ing out. Determined to survive, in a last-ditch attempt to save his own life Wazny applied a tourniquet. It worked.
After multiple surgeries, Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief when, nearly a month later, local news stations broadcasted the brave officer’s exit from the hospital.
In the small town of Markesan, Wisconsin, a 15-year-old girl was among those exhaling as she watched the reports about Wazny’s road to recovery. Taylor Pflum has a history of caring deeply about the safety of law enforcement, most likely the re- sult of being raised by two parents in the policing profession.
Taylor’s genuine desire to make sure officers are taken care of led to her making snack runs for the local police station, so that officers working the night shift have something to munch on.
“It started when I was 14,” she explained. “I’d deliver them snacks because, you know, not many places are open at night.” During the holidays, Taylor goes out of her way to make gifts for every first responder in town — which includes her father,
Markesan Police Chief William Pflum.
“My daughter Taylor has always been such a wonderful,
young philanthropist,” Pflum insisted. “She always wants to make sure that each first responder gets something for Christ- mas.”
Until recently, most of Taylor’s charitable efforts have been directed close to home. That changed, however, when she heard the story about how a tourniquet saved Wazny’s life. Tay- lor knew something had to be done to ensure that all CPD of- ficers were equipped with tourniquets to keep themselves and others safe on the job.
“I asked my dad if all officers have tourniquets,” Taylor re- lated. “He didn’t know, so he contacted the FOP and found out that not all do. Many have to buy their own.”
The Pflum family felt especially connected to the CPD after a summer vacation to the Windy City. During their visit to the First District police station, Taylor, her twin sister Jasmyne, fa- ther and mother, Liz, were delighted to meet many of Chicago’s finest.
Which is why, after learning about Wazny’s incident, Taylor had an aha moment: she would raise money for the depart- ment to purchase tourniquets for officers.
The teen implemented her plan by selling a seasonal wood- en pumpkin set for $15. Her mission spread on Facebook. In no time at all she racked up a $200 donation for the department.
Taylor also sent Wazny a basket filled with gifts, goodies and a motivational card with the message to get well soon.
“I told him it gets better,” Taylor shared.
On Nov. 19, Taylor was asked to return to the FOP Hall so
32 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2019
Lodge 7 President Kevin Graham (left) presents Taylor Pflum (center) with an Honorable Service Award on behalf of the Chicago FOP.
In a show of appreciation, Taylor Pflum presents Adam Wazny with a gift basket, as the officer continues his recovery from a near-fatal shooting.
that CPD officers could express their gratitude for her efforts to protect their own. When she arrived, FOP President Kevin Graham presented Taylor with an Honorable Service Award.
Wazny also took the opportunity to thank Taylor for her sup- port.
“It’s nice that some people still recognize us for the good we do,” Wazny expressed. “It makes you feel appreciated and makes you heal faster because you have that purpose, that somebody cares about you — somebody who went out of their way to do something for me and my department.”
Taylor also got to meet two other CPD heroes involved in a separate incident on Sept. 21 where they were dragged by a ve- hicle after confronting an armed suspect. After thanking them