See St. Charles Police Officers Singled Out for Valor, Lifesaving

St. Charles Police Chief Jim Lamkin presented awards to police officers this week. Two of the officers were commended for their actions in one instance, when the warning of one officer and the quick reaction of a second likely saved a life from a drunken driver.

Two more officers were commended for their actions in saving the life of an individual who attempted to hang himself.

Finally, Lamkin honored two officers for their efforts in winning the department an Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge Award — top in the state for a department with 36 to 50 sworn officers.

The following is Chief Lamkin’s narrative of the awards.

Officer Adam Stander

On March 16, 2013, Officer Adam Stander and Officer Craig Bahe were dispatched to South Riverside Avenue for a disturbance.  Upon arrival the parties were located and admitted they had been arguing.  While investigating the circumstances, Officer Stander was interviewing one of the parties when Officer Bahe alerted him to a southbound vehicle that was heard and seen driving erratically, crossing the road directly at them.  Officer Stander, with no regard for his personal safety, immediately picked up the woman he was speaking with, and jumped over a retaining wall, covering her with his body.  The vehicle struck two mailboxes and came within three feet of hitting them, however, one of the metal mailboxes hit his leg and a large piece of a wooden one struck him in the back as he shielded her.  Officer Bahe immediately got to his car and gave chase getting the car to slow and then stop as it neared Rt. 38 in Geneva.  The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI and other charges.  

Officer Adam Stander is being recognized for exceptional bravery at the imminent risk of his own personal safety and serious bodily injury.  His actions in protecting another demonstrate exceptional courage in this dangerous situation.  He is being awarded the St. Charles Police Department Medal of Valor for the outstanding manner in which he handled this situation demonstrating his dedication and professionalism to the citizens of St. Charles.

Officer Craig Bahe

On March 16, 2013, Officer Adam Stander and Officer Craig Bahe were dispatched to South Riverside Avenue for a disturbance.  Upon arrival, the parties were located and admitted they had been arguing.  While investigating the circumstances, Officer Stander was interviewing one of the parties when Officer Bahe alerted him to a southbound vehicle that was heard and seen driving erratically, crossing the road directly at them.  Officer Stander, with no regard for his personal safety, immediately picked up the woman he was speaking with, and jumped over a retaining wall, covering her with his body.  Officer Bahe, observing what had happened, immediately got to his car and gave chase getting the car to slow and then stop as it neared Rt. 38 in Geneva.  The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI and other charges.  

Officer Craig Bahe is being recognized for exceptional actions where there was the imminent risk of serious bodily injury to another officer and citizen.  His actions in making a quick arrest and keeping this driver from hurting someone else are outstanding.   He is being awarded the St. Charles Police Department Commendation Award for the outstanding manner in which he handled this situation, demonstrating his dedication and professionalism to the citizens of St. Charles.

Officer Steve Heike

On May 16, 2013, St. Charles police officers were dispatched to an address on South 13th Street for a suicidal subject.  Before arrival, the call was upgraded to a suicide in progress.  Commander Jerry Gatlin was relatively close and responded, arriving ahead of Officer Steve Heike.  Gatlin was directed to a garage by frantic family members finding a subject suspended by his neck from the rafters.  Gatlin took immediate action to relieve his weight from the ligature, until Officer Heike arrived and was able to climb up and cut the ligature.  The subject was lowered to the floor where a pulse was located and chest compressions administered until more pronounced breathing was observed.  Paramedics arrived and ultimately transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.

The quick response by Commander Jerry Gatlin, aided by Officer Steve Heike, was directly responsible for saving the life of another in a time of need.  Had they been seconds later the result would have been much different, resulting in a death.   Each are being commended for their outstanding response in saving this life and worthy of a Lifesaving Award.

Cmdr. Jerry Gatlin

On May 16, 2013, St. Charles police officers were dispatched to an address on South 13th Street for a suicidal subject.  Before arrival, the call was upgraded to a suicide in progress.  Commander Jerry Gatlin was relatively close and responded, arriving ahead of Officer Steve Heike.  Gatlin was directed to a garage by frantic family members finding a subject suspended by his neck from the rafters.  Gatlin took immediate action to relieve his weight from the ligature, until Officer Heike arrived and was able to climb up and cut the ligature.  The subject was lowered to the floor where a pulse was located and chest compressions administered until more pronounced breathing was observed.  Paramedics arrived and ultimately transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.

The quick response by Commander Jerry Gatlin, aided by Officer Steve Heike, was directly responsible for saving the life of another in a time of need.  Had they been seconds later the result would have been much different, resulting in a death.   Each are being commended for their outstanding response in saving this life and worthy of a Lifesaving Award.

Cmdr. Erik Mahan and Officer Rich Clark

On August 21, 2013, the St. Charles Police Department was awarded the Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge Award for agencies in their size category.

The Challenge was created by the Illinois Chiefs of Police to enhance traffic safety on Illinois roadways.  Agency statistics and efforts were compiled and sent to the Traffic Safety Challenge judges for their review.  The Traffic Safety Challenge award highlighted the efforts of the Agency during 2012.  The St. Charles Police Department took first place in the State of Illinois for the 36-50 Sworn Officers Category, as well as taking first place in the Occupant Protection/seat belt category.

Agencies are judged and compared in the following categories:

• Training of officers

• Incentives and recognition

• Public information and education

• Enforcement activity

The St. Charles Police Department needed to document what was accomplished in each sub-category.  The sub-categories included: occupant protection/seat belt enforcement, speed related, impaired driving, and other Traffic Safety.

Chief James Lamkin related, “The members of the St. Charles Police Department make safety on our roads a priority.  In 2012, the City of St. Charles continued a downward trend for the past five years with another reduction in the number of traffic crashes.  Safety belts have been proven to save lives, and we have made enforcement of safety belts and child safety seat installations an important part of keeping our roads safe.”