Glendale Heights honors officers with valor and lifesaving awards after frozen-pond rescue

Glendale Heights Mayor Giannelli and Police Chief Pappas recognized two officers at the Jan. 8 village board meeting for rescuing three people from a submerged vehicle in a frozen pond on Dec. 14.

Chief Pappas told the board the call came at approximately 1:35 a.m. and that officers arrived to find a fully submerged vehicle with three people struggling in roughly 12-foot-deep water in near-freezing conditions. "Officer Tatura and officer Lowenbaugh immediately began life saving operations," the chief said, describing the officers' actions in the 1-degree temperature.

Mayor Giannelli praised the officers at the podium, saying, "What you did that day required extraordinary courage." The mayor described the decision to enter dangerous water as one that "made all the difference" and thanked officers and their families for their service.

The board recessed briefly during the meeting for a group photo and for family members to pin lifesaving and valor pins on the honorees' uniforms. The village's recognition package included the chief's award of valor and lifesaving awards and pins to be worn by the officers.

No disciplinary or follow-up policy decisions were announced at the meeting; the presentation focused on recognizing the officers' actions and thanking emergency responders and families.