Officers are snow angels for injured woman

While most of Schaumburg's on-duty police officers were busy enough just making sure traffic was proceeding safely in the thick of a snowstorm, two were saving a woman's life.

Officers Mark Tieri and Stewart Wing were both recognized with Life Saving Awards by Schaumburg Police Director Richard Casler at this week's village board meeting.

The officers' heroic actions occurred during a snowstorm on the night of Dec. 15.

The woman had skidded into a snow-filled ditch. Upon seeing her injured inside, Wing broke a window and unlocked the doors, allowing both officers access to the woman. Tieri applied pressure to the woman's wounds while Wing called paramedics.

The Schaumburg Fire Department took the woman to the hospital where she was treated.

A third local hero: And Schaumburg firefighter Tony Licata also received an Outstanding Citizen Award from the village for brave actions he took last fall.

Around 10 p.m. on Oct. 14, Licata and his family were returning from a night at the movies. Driving through Schaumburg, they came across a woman lying on the ground who was being threatened with physical harm by her husband.

Without knowing who the people were or what their situation was, Licata got out of the car and called out the assailant's license plate number as his daughter called police.

The man drove off while Licata and his family stayed with the shaken woman and waited for authorities to arrive and take her to safety.

Licata was recognized with the prestigious award for daring to put himself in harm's way in order to help someone in need.

Anniversary celebration: It's hard to believe, but the third anniversary of the American Indian Center of Chicago's Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg is only a couple of weeks away.

The public is invited to the 3rd Anniversary Benefit Dinner at 6:30 p.m. March 15 at the gallery itself, 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

The dinner will be preceded at 5:30 p.m. by the opening of a new exhibition featuring the artwork of Leonard Peltier.

The dinner itself will feature a welcome from Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, a drum and dance performance and an art auction.

Tickets cost $150 or $1,000 for a table of eight, but must be bought by Saturday.

Proceeds will benefit the American Indian Center's arts programs.

To pay by credit card or for more information, call (847) 301-2090.