Lake Bluff Police Recognize Officers for Heroic Duty

The Lake Bluff Police Department recently presented awards to officers and communications officers who have gone above and beyond both on and off duty.

Seven officers, including Commander Debby Hartwig, David Thomas, Merritt Price, D. Damon Schmidt, James Reynolds and Thomas Vinson, were presented with commendations for their actions during calls for service.

Hartwig received an award for her actions taken during saving the life of a resident who was in need of medical attention.

Thomas and Vinson received an award for their actions taken during a vehicle fire where there was a person inside of the vehicle. It was later determined the subject had taken their own life just after the fire was started.

Price was recognized for the actions he took while apprehending a subject who fled from an attempted residential burglary. The suspect was ultimately captured.

Schmidt and Reynolds received an award for their actions taken during an attempted suicide. The person subsequently lived after the incident.

Thomas also received a commendation for the extra time he spends planning the Illinois Special Olympics Polar Plunge and Torch Run in Lake County.

Officers Gerard Riforgiato and Erik Gehrke were presented with life saving awards.

Riforgiato was recognized for his efforts in gaining entry to a residence where a subject was in need of immediate medical attention. The subject survived the incident.

Gehrke received the award for responding to a medical call at Knauz Motors, while off duty, and administered life saving CPR to a citizen.

Officer Mark Betz was presented the Legion of Honor/Purple Heart award for sustaining an injury while arresting a subject who was armed and just committed multiple other felonies.