Chicago firefighters, police officers honored for bravery

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police officers and firefighters were given special recognition Tuesday for their service to the city of Chicago, excelling in situations that often involve danger. Awards were given to police and fire personnel during a ceremony at City Hall.

"Today serves as a reminder of the dangers faced and courage displayed day in and day out by our police and fire personnel," said Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy

Officer Abdullah Beyah received this year's Lambert Tree Award, the highest honor for police bravery. He had been on the force 6 years when, in August of 2012, he and his partner responded to gunshots near the 7800- block of South Marshfield.

They found the body of a murder victim and Beyah pursued the gunman on foot.

"I'm about 10 to15 feet behind him he points a gun at me and starts firing," Beyah says. "It was a pretty traumatic incident."

Beyah shot back and subdued the suspect, who was arrested. Still, Beyah, a Chicago native enjoys his job.

"I can assure you that most, if not all of them would rather be facing the perils of the job than stand before you today," said Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago.

That seems to be true for Mauricio Rodriguez, a 28-year veteran of the fire department.

He received the Carter Harrison Award for Fire Bravery, honored for rescuing two people from a burning house in Englewood in January.

He returned to the burning house to retrieve the victims, locating them in zero visibility.

"There wasn't a guy from the chief on down who wouldn't have done the same thing in the same situation," Rodriguez says.

Although Rodriguez and Beyah appreciate the honors, they both say their work is the best reward.