Gurnee police officers to receive Purple Heart Award

Five Gurnee police officers injured in the line of duty will receive Gurnee Purple Heart Awards during a ceremony Monday, officials said.

Cmdr. Jay Patrick said the five officers being honored at 7:30 p.m. at the Gurnee Village Hall, 325 O’Plaine Road, have endured serious injury while apprehending criminals who were resisting arrest.

The incidents occurred as far back as 2004, and two of the officers have not been able to return to active duty as a result of their injuries, Patrick said.

Those receiving the awards are:

Ÿ Officer Thomas Agos was injured May 31, 2004 after responding to a domestic dispute where the offender aggressively resisted arrest. Agos injured his right shoulder, underwent extensive treatment and physical therapy, but never regained a full range of motion. He left the service Oct. 3, 2005.

Ÿ Sgt. James Lange was injured April 5, 2005 while apprehending a fleeing suspect. After repeatedly telling the offender to stop and releasing police dog Hero to help, Lange injured his neck while trying to capture the suspect. He was off active duty until being able to return in 2011.

Ÿ Officer Matthew Baumann injured his right knee in 2009 while trying to detain a suspect at Gurnee Mills. He was disabled for two months.

Ÿ Officer Brian Jacobson was injured in 2010 while trying to break up a domestic battery complaint. He worked modified duty on and off until November 2010, when he was placed on medical leave in December 2011 and has not been able to return to work.

Ÿ Officer Scott Kotrba was injured in 2011 when arresting a theft subject. Kotrba underwent significant medical treatment and rehabilitation for his injury, worked modified duty and was on medical leave until returning to work in October.

Each officer honored Monday will receive a certificate and a uniform ribbon, Patrick said.