SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Four Bensenville, Illinois police officers have received Valor Awards from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for their on-duty actions during an incident where one of the officers was critically wounded after being shot nine times by an armed suspect.
“These officers didn’t hesitate, they ran toward the sound of gunfire to rescue a comrade and keep their fellow citizens safe,” said FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood, who presented the awards in Bensenville on Tuesday, December 13. “Their efforts and sacrifice embody the true meaning of the police motto, ‘to protect and serve.’”
Those receiving FOP Valor Awards were Bensenville Police officers Steven Kotlewski, Kristian Casillas, Patrick Scanlan and Michael Ptak.
On November 6, 2021 Bensenville Police officers were sent to a residence to handle a domestic disturbance call. Officer Kotlewski arrived on the scene first and was ambushed by a suspect who shot Kotlewski nine times.
Officer Casillas quickly moved Kotlewski to safety, assisted in tending to his wounds, and moved to the second floor of the residence to engage the suspect.
Officer Scanlan assisted the wounded officer as Casillas moved the suspect’s teenage daughter to safety.
Officer Ptak transported Kotlewski to waiting emergency medical personnel shortly before the suspect surrendered to Casillas and was taken into custody.
Kotlewski was treated for nine gunshot wounds and may have died from his injuries if not for the quick reactions of his fellow officers. He has not yet returned to active duty.
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers – more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.