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encounter a single officer who, when asked whether he or she could support our mission, refused to help. Their generosity, whether it be through contributions or volunteering their time or helping in some other capacity, is, to me, the true mark of what Chicago Police officers are all about.”
While the Foundation is thankful for the ongoing support from the officers it serves, it also takes time every year to showcase how officers support one another through selfless, heroic acts. The “I got your back” sprit supports the Foundation, but it also saves lives.
Last month, for example, the Foundation bestowed its highest honor, the Award of Valor, on two Chicago Police officers whose actions illustrate the lengths that police officers will go to help a col- league in need (see story below)
“The selfless actions that Officers Wrobel and Alonso took define what heroism is. They put their own safety in jeopardy to keep us all safe,” Cline added. “We spend a lot of time at the Foundation focusing on the needs of others. Sometimes it’s good to stop and recognize the good and heroic work our police officers do every day. And, we can never thank them enough.”
High honors for Chicago Officers and supporters
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF), dedicated to honoring the lives and memories of fallen officers, recognized two acting Chicago Officers at the Fourth Annual Valor Luncheon on Oct. 14 with the 2015 Award of Valor for their heroic actions during a shootout on Chicago’s South Side.
Officers Michael Wrobel and Javier Alonso were previously rec- ognized by the CPMF for the Officer of the Month Award in November 2014 and their story stuck with the organization.
On the night of June 6, 2014, Wrobel and Alonso, assigned to the Area South Gang Enforcement Division, received information about a potential armed gang leader in a vehicle in the Washing- ton Heights area. Wrobel assisted Alonso at the vehicle stop. As the officers approached, a male occupant opened fire striking Wrobel in the chest and Alonso in the right thigh. The officers returned fire and ended the threat. Wrobel, who was saved by his bulletproof vest, pulled Alonso into his patrol car and rushed him to the hos- pital, which saved his life.
“This event gives us the opportunity to focus on the great things Chicago law enforcement officers do every day, and (the story of Wrobel and Alonso) is just one example of the great things that happen every day in the city of Chicago,” reflected CPMF’s Project Manager John Gordon.
Chicago Officer Kenyatta Gaines sang the National Anthem before WGN Radio Host Roe Conn – also a CPMF Advisory Board member – emceed the event.
More than 200 people were on hand, including Chicago Police Department Superintendent Garry McCarthy and CPMF Executive Director Phil Cline, who presented the two honorees with the 2015 distinction.
“The selfless actions that Officers Wrobel and Alonso took define what heroism is,” shared Cline at the event. “They put their own safety in jeopardy to keep us all safe. Those actions deserve our gratitude and our support.”
The Foundation gave its highest civilian accolade – the Award of Honor – to Bob Clifford, the founder of Clifford Law Offices, and a long-time supporter of the Foundation’s mission.
“Mr. Clifford has been a donor since our inception in 2004 and it’s a great way for us to say thank you to him for his continued support of the mission of the organization, the Chicago Police Department and the gold star families,” contributed Gordon.
The event concluded with a call to action for the CPMF’s Get Behind the Vest initiative, asking for pledges of $500 to sponsor a bulletproof vest for Chicago’s finest, which ultimately raised $20,000 that day with a $10,000 contribution from honoree Clif- ford.
Bob Clifford, the founder of Clifford Law Offices (middle left) accepts the Award of Honor from Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Executive Director Phil Cline (middle right).
Chicago Officer Javier Alonso accepts the 2015 Award of Valor during the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Fourth Annual Valor Luncheon.
Chicago
speaks at the Fourth Annual Valor Luncheon after accepting the 2015 Award of Valor.
Officer
Michael
Wrobel
From left, Chicago Officer Javier Alonso, Bob Clifford and Chicago Officer Michael Wrobel pose with their Valor Awards from the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
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