Officers receive special recognition during private ceremony

During a private ceremony in front of the Round Lake Beach Police Station June 14, several police officers from Round Lake Beach, the Cook County Sheriff's Office and the Chicago Police Department were awarded special recognition for being instrumental in the investigation and capture of Jason Karels for the death of his three children one year ago.

Special recognition was awarded, as follows:

• Round Lake Beach Police officers Gardiner Wade and Katie Crawford received a letter of recognition for their assistance on the case.

• Chicago Police Department's Sgt. Steve Jarosz and Ofc. Brian Raniere (retired, not present) and Cook County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jim Gosling received letters of recognition for their assistance on the case.

• Chicago Police Department's Lieutenant Tony Mendez, Commanding Officer of the Marine/Helicopter Unit, received a plaque for his assistance on the case.

• Round Lake Beach Det. Bobby Barrera received department commendation award for his assistance on the case.

Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the tragic death of the three children: Bryant, 5; Cassidy, 3; and Gideon, 2. Jason Karels fled the scene prior to police arrival. An alert was put out on Karels' vehicle, resulting in Cook County Sheriff deputies spotting the car near 115th Street in Chicago.

Karels led police on a high-speed chase that lasted nearly 20 minutes toward Joliet. While being pursued by a Chicago Police helicopter and Cook County Sheriff officers along Interstate 80, the pursuit ended when Karels' vehicle crashed into a wooded area.

The officers awarded recognition were all instrumental in the investigation into the death of the three children and in the pursuit and capture of Karels.

Round Lake Beach Mayor Scott Nickles and Round Lake Beach Police Chief Wayne Wilde also delivered a special proclamation during the ceremony naming the three slain children as honorary Round Lake Beach police officers.

The mother of the children was also awarded a special ceremonial brick that will be placed in the village of Round Lake Beach "Heroes Grove" memorial, located outside the police department on Hook Drive.

The ceremony was held in private in accordance with the wishes of the mother of the children. She requested the ceremony not involve the press so she could properly honor her children and thank police officers, village officials and prosecutors from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office for their roles in the case.

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