Oak Park, Illinois Village Departments -- Police Department

During a traffic stop on July 29, 2011, Officer Paul Baudo noticed that the front seat passenger was unusually nervous and fidgeting. After questioning the passenger, he admitted to being in possession of cannabis. More than two ounces of cannabis were recovered from under the passenger’s seat. After further questioning, Officer Baudo obtained the name and address of the person from whom he had just purchased the cannabis. The passenger agreed to help police collect evidence against his supplier. Because of Officer Baudo’s excellent observation and skillful interview technique, what started out as a routine traffic stop turned into a felony arrest.

On June 21, 2011, Detective Ronald Bongat received a tip that a known felon was about to obtain a handgun in a park. Acting on that knowledge, Detective Bongat and fellow officers set up a perimeter and conducted surveillance around the park. The subject was spotted meet by an unknown subject who handed him a paper bag. Immediately after the exchange, Detective Bongat attempted to conduct a stop. The subject threw away the bag and fled on foot. Detective Bongat caught the subject and took him into custody. It was later discovered that the bag contained a .38 caliber handgun and ammunition. Because of Detective Bongat’s immediate action, two felons were apprehended and a weapon was taken off the streets. His diligence reflects credit on both himself and the Oak Park Police Department.

On January 28, 2010, Officer Paul Baudo responded to a fellow officer’s call for assistance at the 7-11 store, 1140 Harlem Ave., River Forest. Officer Baudo pursued the offenders, who eventually were curbed at Harlem and 22nd Street in North Riverside. Officer Baudo assisted in placing the offenders in custody without incident. Officer Baudo’s dedication to duty led to the arrest of three offenders for the crime of armed robbery.

On January 28, 2010, Officer Kristen Cook responded to a fellow officer’s call for assistance at the 7-11 store, 1140 Harlem Ave., River Forest. Officer Cook pursued the offenders, who eventually were curbed at Harlem and 22nd Street in North Riverside. Officer Cook assisted in placing the offenders in custody without incident. Officer Cook’s dedication to duty led to the arrest of three offenders for the crime of armed robbery.

On January 28, 2010, Officer Samantha Deuchler responded to a fellow officer’s call for assistance at the 7-11 store, 1140 Harlem Ave., River Forest. Officer Deuchler pursued the offenders who eventually were curbed at Harlem and 22nd Street in North Riverside. Officer Deuchler assisted in placing the offenders in custody without incident. Officer Deuchler’s dedication to duty led to the arrest of three offenders for the crime of armed robbery.

On January 28, 2010, Officer James Valentine responded to a fellow officer’s call for assistance at the 7-11 store, 1140 Harlem Ave., River Forest. Officer Valentine initiated a pursuit until responding River Forest officers arrived and took over. Using sound judgment and decision making, he took control of the radio and constantly provided updates as to the location the offenders were traveling as they entered Oak Park. Officer Valentine’s actions allowed River Forest officers to maintain total concentration on their driving. The offenders eventually were curbed at Harlem and 22nd Street in North Riverside and taken into custody. Officer Valentine’s dedication to duty led to the arrest of three offenders for the crime of armed robbery.