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“Adam’s here? Really. I haven’t seen him since he was in the hospital,” exclaimed Officer Kimberly Lewis-Davis, who is with the CPD Chaplains Unit. Lewis-Davis quickly found Wazny and wrapped him a hug, hundreds of which seemed to follow.
At one point during the evening, Wazny was called to the podium, and he walked up there, taking the most substantive steps since being shot on Sept. 21 while serving a warrant to a fugitive suspected of murder. The unassuming hero — whose ability to take down the shooter and then apply a tourniquet from his LEMAR kit reinforced the bravery, relentlessness and resiliency that will always be the bedrock of the department — submitted a few words to applaud all that these True Blues have done during the past five years.
“I want to say how important it is, how much you guys are supporting us. How much it’s helping every police officer to do their job,” Wazny emoted, noting how CPF fundraising has pro- vided Law Enforcement Medical and Rescue (LEMAR) kits to more than 6,000 Chicago Police Officers.
“To have that extra tool in their kit to help out in case a shoot- ing happens, in case somebody gets injured or to save their own life or save their partner’s life, thank you very much for all that support,” Wazny continued. “We greatly appreciate it.”
The greeting and ovation Wazny received at True Blue nearly surpassed the elation that took place when he returned home on Oct. 18 following multiple surgeries and a month in the hos- pital. Uniformed officers stood at attention outside his resi- dence as he arrived.
In between hugs and handshakes at True Blue, Wazny con- fided for the first time some of the lifesaving emotion that took place on that September day. He noted how grateful he was for
Chicago Police Officer Adam Wazny speaks at the True Blue Event, six weeks after being shot while pursuing a fugitive.
taking the LEMAR training twice, including once with U.S. Mar- shals as part of working with the Fugitive Apprehension Unit.
“I’m living proof that LEMAR works to save lives, so to get that kit for free is really huge,” Wazny explained. “It gives you an ex- tra percentage for staying alive. If you’re in a fight and you’re trying to survive, anything you can do to help yourself gives you motivation. You don’t feel helpless. If you have the equipment, you can do it.”
Even before Wazny raised the roof, CPF Chair John Robak of- fered a locker room guarantee that, “We’re going to raise a lot of money tonight for the Chicago Police Department.” The fifth True Blue confirmed how the CPF can raise a lot of money – quickly – to provide training and equipment, build community partnerships and support its latest initiative: officers’ mental health and wellness.
Self-care During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a time of joy, giving,
celebrations and gatherings. However, it can
also be a season of high demand to give to
others — to the point that we neglect ourselves.
The stressors of buying gifts, attending holiday
events such as office parties, working extra
shifts, incurring additional expenses, and the
change in time with less daylight can trigger symptoms of depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The following are a few self-care techniques to assist you in surviving the holiday season:
• Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, mindful eating, and grounding exercises to acknowledge and manage feelings.
• Use relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to reduce stress.
• Plan ahead, prioritize and set appropriate boundaries.
• Do not be afraid to say “No.”
• Maintain healthy habits. Exercise regularly, get an adequate
amount of sleep, and eat nutritious foods.
• Seek support – Do not hesitate to seek professional help or counseling if
your attempts to practice good health are not working.
Regardless of what the holiday season brings, the most important thing is to focus on self-care and aspects of the season that bring joy during this challenging time of the year.
Hartgrove Behavioral Health System is a well-established
mental health resource in the Chicagoland area.
Walk-ins are accepted and no-cost comprehensive assessments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 773-413-1720.
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