SAR Fox Valley chapter honors three Naperville police officers with Heroism Awards
Matt Clark, Mike Campagnolo, and Ted Miller from the Sons of the American Revolution Fox Valley Chapter honored Naperville police officers Courtney Madden, Mark Schumacher, and Allison Simko on March 7 at the Naperville Police Department headquarters.
The officers were awarded the SAR Heroism Medal, a prestigious recognition for acts of bravery and selflessness.
The officers had responded to a call about a vehicle submerged in a pond, where they found a car sinking into the water with a 2-year-old child strapped into a car seat in the back.
Without hesitation, Officers Madden, Schumacher, and Simko waded into the freezing water to rescue the family. Video from the officers’ body cameras captured the dramatic rescue, showing them breaking a rear window to relieve the pressure and unlock the door, allowing Officer Simko to retrieve the baby.
The family, including the child’s mother and father, were safely rescued thanks to the officers’ quick actions. The Naperville Fire Department and paramedics were on hand to treat them for exposure, but no serious injuries were reported.
The SAR Fox Valley chapter members presenting the awards were past chapter presidents Mike Campagnolo, Ted Miller, and current president Matt Clark.
During the ceremony, Matt Clark expressed his gratitude for honoring the officers, stating, “We at the SAR want to honor these officers that saved this family. Their heroic efforts embody the spirit of service and sacrifice that our organization stands for.”
The Sons of the American Revolution is a historical, educational, and patriotic nonprofit organization founded in 1889. Its members are descendants of the patriots who fought and served during the American Revolution. It is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of those patriots and promoting the principles they fought for, including freedom, liberty, and the rights of individuals. The organization preserves historical sites and documents, educates the public about the Revolutionary War era, and supports veterans and active-duty military personnel. The SAR also promotes civic responsibility and patriotism in communities across the United States.