Above / A sculpture outside the Naperville Police Department is a memorial tribute to the work of Naperville’s finest, a place available to pause and reflect about public safety every day.
The Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) Board of Directors recently presented its annual awards to recognize recipients from the Naperville Police Department for exemplary service. Traditionally, the CAPS Awards are held in May, in collaboration with National Police Week.
For 2021, National Police Week is currently in progress, May 9–15, a time to think about keeping current officers safe and healthy, as well as to honor those fallen officers whose names appear at the Memorial in the Naperville Public Safety Center.
“2020 was an unprecedented year for all of us, but the Naperville Police Department continued their extraordinary service to the community without skipping a beat,” said Wes Wernette, Chairman of the CAPS Board of Directors. “We do appreciate all they do every day, without fail.”
Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) Award recipients
• Officer Mike Buckley, who was nominated by a resident because of the personalized care and attention he provided the victim after a vehicle break-in;
• Officer Mark English, who sprang into action while off duty when he saw a neighbor’s house on fire. He called 911 and proceeded to wake up the sleeping family so they could evacuate the house, the front of which was fully engulfed in flames.
• To an undercover officer, whose compassion and sincerity made a lasting impact on a long-time victim of domestic violence, finally breaking the cycle of abuse.
• Detective Theresa Stock and Officer Mark Schumacher for the calming and empowering impact they had on the young teenage victim of an online predator.
• Officer Tim Thorpe, who, while off-duty and without the protective equipment usually worn by officers, assisted an officer in handcuffing a subject who was actively resisting arrest and violently kicking the arresting officer.
• Officers Harold Bressler, Mike Buckley, Billy Carlson, Dan Lukensmeyer, and Luke Swanson as well as Sergeants Mike Rimdzius and Scott Thorsen; and Social Service Clinician Jamie Horner. These individuals, on two separate occasions provided exemplary service to a Naperville family and their despondent son, who struggles with substance abuse and mental health disorders. During both interactions, the family said NPD staff provided outstanding and caring service and made a positive difference in the family’s life.
• Detective John Reed, with the assistance of Detectives Erin Gibler, Paul Elliott, Ken Czubak, Bill Stahulak, Mike Umbenhower and Mike Courterier as well as Sergeant Rich Arsenault and Commander Tim Black. Their effort, tenacity and bravery led to the arrest of three suspects responsible for the violent kidnapping and beating of a business owner in an attempt to extort money from his family.
George Pradel Award honors entire NPD
The entire Naperville Police Department is the recipient of the CAPS Board’s highest honor, the George Pradel Award for Public Service. Their commitment to public safety during the pandemic, at the risk of their own health, was nothing short of heroic. Their professionalism during last summer’s demonstrations and civil unrest was
incredible. And their ongoing commitment to excellence is a model for departments nationwide.
Nominate a Fire Department Employee by October 1, 2021
The Citizens Appreciate Public Safety Board of Directors is now seeking nominations for outstanding service by members of the Naperville Fire Department for a similar recognition program that is expected to be released this fall.
Nominations are accepted from the community to recognize fire department employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations are due by October 1, 2021, and can be submitted electronically through a brief form on the CAPS website (www.napervillecaps.com/nominate).
Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS)
Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) is a Naperville community group that recognizes Fire and Police Department personnel for their contributions to the City. Each year, Naperville residents are asked to nominate public safety employees who have displayed an interest in Naperville’s citizens in a manner above and beyond the call of duty, individuals who exhibited a genuine concern for the welfare and well-being of all Naperville citizens. Two annual presentations—one in the fall to recognize personnel in the Fire Department, and one in the spring to recognize individuals in the Police Department—are hosted by the CAPS Board of Directors.
Nominations are accepted year round for exemplary service by members of the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Fire Department.
For more information, visit www.napervillecaps.com.
News submitted by Ashley Klco, CAPS Secretary
Editor’s Note / Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15. The recognition in Naperville is set for 10AM Fri., May 14, 2021, taking place during Police Week, paying tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice or been injured in the line of duty.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serve in the U.S. today. Fallen law enforcement officers represent all levels of law enforcement, including local, state, federal, tribal, and military law enforcement. They are family members, husbands, wives, parents, sons and daughters.
In Naperville, the observance includes a moment of silence for police officers that have given ultimate sacrifice, time to honor the U.S. flag, and a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace.”
Click here to Julie Smith’s story featuring “Two Words” that appeared in Feb. 2015.
