Wheaton police honored for saving man’s life

Wheaton police officers Mike Sterkowicz and Ben Belcaster have been honored with the department's life-saving award.

The city recognized the officers for helping a man experiencing a cardiac event on Dec. 12.

The officers immediately began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator. All Wheaton police patrol vehicles carry AEDs, and officers are trained to use the devices. The resident, Tom Wesche, was taken to the hospital and has since made a full recovery.

So much so that Wesche and his wife, Mary Pat, took part in a ceremony celebrating the officers. And here’s the kicker: It’s the second time both Sterkowicz and Belcaster have received the life-saving award.