Above / Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall was on hand to help honor NPD Officer Jordan Koziel during the 2019 annual meeting of the Hundred Club of DuPage County, a time to recognize courage and life-saving protection in DuPage County. (Photo courtesy James Hoch Photography)
On Oct. 30, 2019, the Hundred Club of DuPage County presented Naperville Police Officer Jordan Koziel with its 2019 Award of Valor during its Annual Meeting and Valor Awards Dinner at the Lisle/Naperville Hilton. The annual dinner recognizes first responders for their acts of courage and heroism.
Brief overview of officer’s risk-taking and life-saving courage
According the news release, “On January 24, 2019, Naperville Police Department responded to the 1200 block of West Ogden Avenue for a suspicious person attempting to get into a citizen (complainant’s) car. The male subject was sweating and asking for drugs. He left the scene on foot, walking eastbound. A responding officer was flagged down in the same block of a strip mall and alerted to that the same suspicious subject was in a local restaurant and armed with a handgun in his waistband.”
Officer Jordan Koziel was recognized by the Hundred Club for his actions that followed his arrival on the scene and his success to defuse a threatening situation and standoff with Naperville Police.
As Officer Koziel attempted to calm the agitated man, urging him to put down the firearm, the man stood up, took up a shooting stance and pointed his weapon at two other officers who also were on the scene, the report said.
Officer Koziel recognized this risk to the lives of his fellow officers and without hesitation discharged his firearm, striking the subject.
The subject was taken into custody, provided medical attention for his non-life-threatening injuries, and transported to a hospital where he made a full recovery. He was criminally charged with felony counts of aggravated assault with a firearm against a police officer.
In April, the DuPage County state’s attorney determined in a written ruling that the Naperville police officer had acted appropriately in this unfortunate incident.
During the award presentation, Officer Koziel was recognized for his social skills and caring ways to do everything he could in this high-stress situation to have this incident end peacefully.
“It is with great honor to grant the 2019 Award of Valor to Officer Koziel” stated 100 Club of DuPage County President Lisa Savegnago. “He put his life on the line, with courage, to save and protect the life of another. His bravery, leadership and devotion to his duty and community is unmatched. He is a true hero.”
The Hundred Club of DuPage County offers assistance to families of law enforcement and firefighting personnel who have been killed, injured or harmed in the course of their job.
The 100 Club Award of Valor
The 100 Club Award of Valor is a life-long honor of law enforcement officers and firefighters chosen by their peers for heroic actions above and beyond the normal expectations of their duties and their jobs.
The 100 Club of DuPage County since 1982
The Hundred Club of DuPage County established in September 1982, is a private, nonprofit charitable organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. The Hundred Club of DuPage County offers assistance to families of law enforcement and firefighting personnel who have been killed, injured, or otherwise stricken while residing or working in the county.
For more information about the Hundred Club of DuPage County, visit www.hundredclubofdupage.org.
Photo and link to news release submitted by Kelley Munch, Communications Specialist, City of Naperville.
“This is an amazing honor and a wonderful recognition of his bravery and outstanding skills as an officer. He’s a tremendous asset to Naperville Police Department, and we’re very proud of him for receiving this recognition,” emailed Munch.
Find additional photos that include pictures of the program from the 100 Club Annual Meeting as well as other award recipients featured at James Hoch Photography.
Editor’s Note / PN editors are mindful that first responders risk their lives for our safety every day.
And in the words of Crime Stoppers, “Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.” Thanks to all!
