Des Plaines officers receive medal of valor

The Des Plaines city council this week awarded medals of valor to city police officers Michael Kelly and Michael Oppegard for their courageous actions during a drug bust last May.

During a May 2012 drug investigation, Kelly and Oppegard tried to apprehend a suspect for possession of controlled substances. The suspect became combative and tried to flee. He jumped in his vehicle and attempted to run over both officers striking them with the car, officials said.

Oppegard got caught in the vehicle’s door and was nearly run over. Both officers fired their weapons incapacitating the suspect and saving Oppegard’s life. A search of the suspect’s person and vehicle resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of heroin and money, officials said.

Police Chief William Kushner presented the Award of Valor to both officers at Monday night’s city council meeting.