Round Lake, Aurora cops honored as heroes

SPRINGFIELD -- Suburban police officers from Aurora and Round Lake were honored for heroism Friday at the Executive Mansion.

Round Lake Chief Cliffton R. Metaxa, Round Lake officer Kraig M. Kapusinski and Aurora officers Glenda K. Van Horn and William J. Sullivan were among 28 police officers in Illinois who received the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

The annual ceremony honors law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves by showing bravery at the risk of their own lives.

On Oct. 24, 2007, a vehicle went into a Round Lake retention pond. Metaxa swam to the vehicle and saw a woman trapped inside. Kapusinski swam out with an expandable baton and hammer and together they broke the driver's-side and back windows and pulled the woman out before the car sank.

Meanwhile, on June 17, 2007, Van Horn and Sullivan were called to the Fox River to rescue two brothers who appeared to be drowning. One brother made it to shore but the other was barely afloat. The two officers jumped into the river and brought him to shore.

Metaxa said it was an honor to receive the award.

"I'm humbled," said Metaxa, a member of the department for three years. "We did exactly what I think every police officer and first responder would do.

Van Horn, a 17-year veteran, said the rescue called for a split-second decision.

"It was the spur of the moment," she said of the rescue. "You're there, he's out in the water -- you have to respond."

Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent said that while police officers downplay their heroism, it's important to acknowledge their efforts just the same.

"We have an obligation, I think, to honor people who go above and beyond," he said. "I think every one of (the awards) was well deserved."