Mayor Rahm Emanuel And Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy presented the department's highest honor of Police Medal to exceptional officers at the Chicago Police Department's 52nd Annual Police Recognition Ceremony, which paid homage to officers who have distinguished themselves and the department by brave deeds during the past year.
Sergeant Tyrone Pendarvis and Police Officer Nyls Meredith were honored for chasing down three men armed with gun on August 28, 2012. Pendarvis apprehended one of the offenders and a wounded Meredith took a second suspect into custody.
"I did not have a clue. I thought my partner would because he went beyond the line of duty during the incident. I knew he would make it," Pendarvis said.
"When you are put in a situation you always refer back to your training. It is just like anything -- we were out there doing a job so you can get home safe to your family," Meredith said.
More than 70 awards of valor were presented to officers for their outstanding work.
Superintendent McCarthy said the work of these officers and the strong partnership with community is resulting in significant reduction in murders, shootings, and overall crime in 2013.
"We are talking about more than 3,500 less victims of crime in this city this year than last year ladies and gentlemen that is significant," McCarthy said.
The ceremony ended with a tribute to police officers who have died of natural causes or in the line of duty during the year.
Superintendent McCarthy said true heroics are on display every day here in the city, and they take place on the city streets in every neighborhood by the many fearless men and women of the police department.
