Awards Ceremony
- As Chicago cops, Officer David Hickey and his brother-in-law, Sgt. Christopher Kapa, are no strangers to facing critical split-second decisions.
Hickey was shot in the leg last year as he and three other officers from his gang investigation team chased down and arrested several suspects wanted in about a dozen drug-related slayings across the city.
Kapa made the risky decision in March to drive Officer Del Pearson to a hospital without waiting for an ambulance when the veteran tactical officer was shot and bleeding profusely from a chest wound.
On Monday, Superintendent Garry McCarthy honored Hickey, Kapa and about 70 other officers for bravery at the department’s annual awards ceremony.
Some truly sad news at the end of the article though:
- Pearson has been unable to return to work since the shooting. His arm is no longer in a sling, but he said he still feels nagging pain in his left hand due to nerve damage from the shooting.
Pearson said he hopes to return to work next year but indicated on Monday that he will likely not work on the streets again.
A two-time winner of the Award of Valor, probably won't work the streets again. We're sorry to hear that the damage done when he was shot will restrict him that badly. That part of the story never gets told enough - the walking wounded who won't ever be the same.
Labels: good news
posted by SCC at 12:09 AM
58 Comments:
Congrats to all of our recipients! Fantastic! Officer P maybe look in the mirror. Del we hope to have you back soon!!!
Salute to Officer Pearson.
May he continue to heal and enjoy the years to come.
Sad that he won't work the streets, but the great thing is that he's still here due to the actions of his sgt and team.
I was there and it was nice to see the tremendous amount of officers and their families who attended in support.
Im humbled to walk in their presence!
I am thankful for every day that passes and our Police Officers and Firefighters get through their tour safely.
You are what protects us from MAYHEM.
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. - George Orwell
From a troll: congrats to these recognized officers. Driving Del to the hospital instead of waiting for medics is man sized stones decision making. Reminded me of the begining of the Serpico movie. But I also want to thank all of you for performing a very difficult and often times thankless job each day. The CPD is the thin blue line between we citizens and the social thuggery that seems to be premeating our city.
WTF?
Coaches are encouraging kids to sodomize other kids for soccer hazing.
http://www.suntimes.com/16502790-761/lawsuit-sexual-assaults-part-of-maine-west-soccer-team-hazing-ritual.html
A lot of people don't realize is that some of these P.O.'s work side jobs, or go to court a lot. Because of the restrictions after getting shot...They may not be able to work these additional sources of income to support their families.
I went last year as a citizen who 100% supports law enforcement. Couldnt go yesterday, but my husband went. I was speechless, overwhelmed and very emotional when i left last years event. What you all see (which cannot be unseen), hear, suffer through and deal with day after day is beyond remarkable. Take 100 office suits and put them against one of you and you would still come out on top. More citizens need to attend this lunch and ceremony. Your bravery and no BS attitude is beyond admirable and hopefully, someday the country ( and the world ) will pay you what you deserve for without you, this place would be a bloodbath. God Bless the CPD!
I was there and it pains me to say that the Supt Award of Valor has become very watered down. Many received the award for what amounted to a glorified UUW arrest. I heard too many accounts of "call of shots fired, saw offender with gun, chased offender, turned and pointed weapon, offender arrested and weapon recovered". Now don't get me wrong, great police work but Award of Valor? I don't think so. And yes I've been in that situation more times then I care to remember.
.
Nobody wins the award of valor, they receive the award. It is not a competitive event.
Heard they're gonna have the cops that live in 016 watch their own nieghborhood. Perhaps put a special light in front of their houses so the neighbors know where to go for help.
And thanks to Rahm's changes, Del will only have a total of 365 days on light duty then he'll have to apply for disability, instead of letting him continue to be an asset. Hopefully he heals fully before that time comes!
Thank you for serving and making us all proud. I wish them all well and I hope the dept appreciates theses officers and treat them with the upmost respect whether they return to duty or not. God bless them and their families.
Officer Pearson Bless you sir if anyone is entitled to the 75% its you.
Take it and run
The worse thing is the mayor and his pet want to do away with light duty for officers like him
And this is something the that the general public will never ever understand about leaving one of us hehind on the police force or in the military or the fire department
Whether if it's how the White House left Ty Woods to die or how the FBI ran like cowards and left Detective Ahern we have all learned that we can not trust others in power to have our backs.
T.R.P.
Del may never work the streets again but at least he is able to work.
A lot of people would have taken disability, sit home and wait for their check.
Good detection Del, we need more like you.
Get well soon.
I don't care what kind of award. I would never shake those evil hands of the McCarthy and Rahm!!!
Way off topic but something that many have respectfully requested. The request is that street savy officers offer their opnion on software to make police work safer and easier. There is a discussion on TED Jennifer Pahlka: Coding a better government. Here is the link. http://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_pahlka_coding_a_better_government.html
If it is worthy of you and your fellow officers discussion please lable this under humor and solutions. Um there is a solutions header, right?
I wonder how he feels about former Counsel to the Superintendent, Tom Needham, suing him and requesting punitives..........Check it out. Hard to believe, but 100% true.
There are hero's among us and I"m proud of them.
He took a bullet of the team, that warrants a meritorious promotion. Not getting coffee for some boss like the usual merit strokes.
OT
YES!!!! NBC 5 at 6pm tonight interviewed a former IAD Commander. They asked why CPD might stop certain investigations into certain officers. The former Commander stated CPD makes these decisions based on "politics, who the person is and what their connections are." FINALLY!!! The truth about our department is finally coming to light!!!! If you have CLOUT you are untouchable!! Case in point, Big Jack Killackey formerly of 011. Robs a cab driver at gunpoint while drunk and still has a job because of his old man!!
Isn't is rather odd that all these duty disability thieves have some sort of alderman campaign donation connection?
Congrats to A.L Unit #315 and all recipients May God Keep You Safe Always
Congrats to all our honorees.
Makes me proud to have served with... Chicago's Finest"
Ok, who'd the 'high ranking' officer on cpd talking about corruption??????? News tonight
Congrats to all. It's a shame these awards became a a scam during JFEDs Adm. Also awards waisted on imprisoned crooked cops who were on the "do not touch list" oops while hard working police were called racist and given nothing. Valor is not for the faint of heart.
I attended and did anyone else notice that we opened with the presentation of colors and we never closed with it. They just said it's over and everyone left. The flags were still on the stage.
They still promote officers shot in the line of or preformance of duty in N.Y. when did they stop doing it here?
I worked with Hickey several years ago, and I can say with confidence that our citizenship is truly blessed to have someone like him working our streets.
Not only is he honest and very hard working, he's also very personal and helpful.
Good job Dave.
He took a bullet of the team, that warrants a meritorious promotion. Not getting coffee for some boss like the usual merit strokes.
11/20/2012 04:29:00 PM
I disagree with both the statement that he "took a bullet for the team" as we'll as the fact that he should get a merit promotion or getting shot.
"A two-time winner of the Award of Valor..."
Recipient, please. Not "winner." People win the lottery...
Interesting the former commander complains now, not when he was the commander. Then it was allright
Who is Tom needham suing?
I agree with 07:54am
Medal of valor should be given to those that show great balls when shit hits the fan!
Getting a gun "pointed" at you and you firing a shot and grabbing dude for a UUW should not constitute a medal of valor!
Come on! Seriously!
You guys know who you are!
What are people talking about that's going on in Area 1???????
I also echo the thoughts of the previous poster. The award of valor had mostly glorified uuw arrests. 3/4 had no shots fired by an offender and no hits. I just don't get it. Award should be reserved for those occasions taking fire, going above and beyond. UUW arrests don't constitute an award of valor. A DC is more appropriate.
"I disagree with both the statement that he "took a bullet for the team" as we'll as the fact that he should get a merit promotion or getting shot.
11/20/2012 10:03:00 PM"
Reason being you are one of the afore mentioned merit stroke frauds the Dept is currently infested with.
I attended and did anyone else notice that we opened with the presentation of colors and we never closed with it. They just said it's over and everyone left. The flags were still on the stage.
11/20/2012 08:59:00 PM
I thought that was wierd too. They never posted the colors so they never had to retire them. And how about everyone eating before the blessing.
"Del may never work the streets again but at least he is able to work.
A lot of people would have taken disability, sit home and wait for their check."
Yep Jim Mullen, Cedric Brumley Andre Vangeten have alot of nerve sitting around waiting for the check. Make sure you tell them next time.
SCC Fan said...
And thanks to Rahm's changes, Del will only have a total of 365 days on light duty then he'll have to apply for disability, instead of letting him continue to be an asset. Hopefully he heals fully before that time comes!
Thats inly for NON IOD
Jack Killacky was fired 2 years ago and is a convicted felon, get it right
Who is Tom needham suing?
He's a piece of sh#$ defense attorney now...real nice Tom.
Anonymous said...
I was there and it pains me to say that the Supt Award of Valor has become very watered down. Many received the award for what amounted to a glorified UUW arrest. I heard too many accounts of "call of shots fired, saw offender with gun, chased offender, turned and pointed weapon, offender arrested and weapon recovered". Now don't get me wrong, great police work but Award of Valor? I don't think so. And yes I've been in that situation more times then I care to remember.
11/20/2012 07:54:00 AM
you sir are a moron
Jack Killacky was fired 2 years ago and is a convicted felon, get it right
11/21/2012 05:09:00 AM
Isn't he listed in Unit 377 when you run Alpha Query?
Man, they handed out those awards of valor (68) like they were free samples from a uniform store. I remember the day when they actually meant something that resembled heroics. Most were for gun related calls that years ago may have gotten you awarded only a DC.
"I disagree with both the statement that he "took a bullet for the team" as we'll as the fact that he should get a merit promotion or getting shot.
11/20/2012 10:03:00 PM"
Reason being you are one of the afore mentioned merit stroke frauds the Dept is currently infested with.
11/21/2012 12:25:00 AM
You make it sound like you know me.
Thats inly for NON IOD
11/21/2012 02:21:00 AM
Better read the order. It happened to me. IOD or not does not matter. 365 of light duty and that's it!
KIllackey was convicted of a misdemeanor not a felony. He's at callback and sits not too far from me. FACT!
KIllackey was convicted of a misdemeanor not a felony. He's at callback and sits not too far from me. FACT!
Jack Killacky was fired 2 years ago and is a convicted felon, get it right
11/21/2012 05:09:00 AM
Bullshit. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and theft. Big Jack Killackey is not a convicted felon. You can bet if I pulled this bullshit I'd be serving federal time. Not Big Jack!
I went last year as a citizen who 100% supports law enforcement. Couldnt go yesterday, but my husband went. I was speechless, overwhelmed and very emotional when i left last years event. What you all see (which cannot be unseen), hear, suffer through and deal with day after day is beyond remarkable. Take 100 office suits and put them against one of you and you would still come out on top. More citizens need to attend this lunch and ceremony. Your bravery and no BS attitude is beyond admirable and hopefully, someday the country ( and the world ) will pay you what you deserve for without you, this place would be a bloodbath. God Bless the CPD!.............. I wish more people more people would think like you, thank you for your kind word.
I was there and it pains me to say that the Supt Award of Valor has become very watered down. Many received the award for what amounted to a glorified UUW arrest. I heard too many accounts of "call of shots fired, saw offender with gun, chased offender, turned and pointed weapon, offender arrested and weapon recovered". Now don't get me wrong, great police work but Award of Valor? I don't think so. And yes I've been in that situation more times then I care to remember............. I was thinking the same thing, there were some great stories of bravery, those officers showed balls of steel. The UUW pinch is great but I don't believe award of valor is the right award. Coppers are getting shot or shot, Coppers are engaged in a gun fight, now the guys with a nice UUW pinch are standing right next to the same Coppers. I don't think it's right. I'm sure some recepiants feel the same way. Just saying
"I was there and it pains me to say that the Supt Award of Valor has become very watered down. Many received the award for what amounted to a glorified UUW arrest....."
Could not be more correct on this. Plain and simple there are many supervisors on this job who would sell their soul to be liked by the rank and file. Awards are just one of the tools to accomplish this when you are short a likeable personality, good leadership ability and half way decent social skills. Many awards these days dumb down the entire system and are a total slap in the face to the Officers who actually deserve them.
DC's for a UUW with a footchase? Ahit, most I ever got were honorables, and maybe a couple hour duck on my day 6.....not trying to downplay the dangers involved, but awards for valor are just that. Getting a wounded copper out of the line of fire while under fire, etc. Awards for valor are the kind of awards that you did something that should've killed you while doing it, and you're lucky to be alive to get the award.
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