Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arlington Heights honors seven officers with Award of Valor after armed home invasion
Summary
The Village Board recognized seven Arlington Heights Police Department members March 16 for bravery during a Feb. 19 armed home invasion; Chief Pecora described a containment, dynamic entry and the suspect’s arrest, and Mayor Tinaglia presented ribbons and commendations.
Seven members of the Arlington Heights Police Department received the department’s Award of Valor at the Village Board meeting on March 16 for their roles in a Feb. 19 home invasion that officers say involved an armed, masked intruder.
Chief James Pecora told the board the department nominated seven officers after reviewing the incident and that his office endorsed the awards. He said officers arrived at about 7:30 a.m. to a residence in the 800 block of North Chestnut, established an exterior perimeter and that an entry team made a dynamic entry after officers observed the intruder moving through the house. "Without hesitation, and demonstrating exceptional courage, Officer Sullivan and Officer Christopher Macko entered the home intending to execute a rescue and address the threat," Pecora said, describing active and hostile gunfire during the initial phase and subsequent containment and reentry.
Mayor Tom Tinaglia, assisted by Deputy Chief Greg Czernecki and other command staff, read certificates and presented ribbons, commendation bars and award certificates naming the recipients. The certificate singled out Commander Andrew Felente "in recognition of your acts of bravery and heroism, demonstrating a great deal of personal courage and devotion to duty," and the mayor later named Sergeant James Kryca, Officer Kevin Sullivan, Officer Christopher Macko, Officer Daniel Savas, Officer Matthew Boucek and Officer Anthony Padiyara among those honored.
Chief Pecora said mutual-aid partners, a regional SWAT team, the department’s drone team and K-9 Maui assisted, and that the combined response involved more than 150 trained personnel. He said the investigation led to charges against a 50-year-old man who is being held in the Cook County Jail. "Your selfless dedication not only protected us from harm, but also reminded us of the incredible bravery it takes to serve in law enforcement and public service," Pecora read from a homeowner's letter provided to the board with permission.
The board gave the officers a round of applause; the family of the homeowners declined the public invitation to attend but expects to meet privately with officers. No policy changes or follow-up tasks were announced at the meeting.
The presentation concluded before the board moved on to other business.
