Mark Donahue, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge #7, awarded the Life Saving Award to Police Officers Mark George and Anthony Trapalis at their April 16 meeting. Both officers are with the 17th District and both reside on the North Side.
On March 24, the officers were on patrol when they observed a building on fire at 4830 N. St. Louis Ave. After contacting OEC they observed a woman in the second floor window trying to escape the heavy black smoke. The officers attempted to enter the first floor, but were driven back by the intense heat and smoke. Realizing the woman might perish, the officers searched and found a discarded mattress and box spring. They positioned them under the window and persuaded the woman to jump. They remained underneath to catch the woman and after she safely landed they assisted her to a waiting CPD ambulance. It was then they discovered she was four months pregnant.
President Donahue stated, “Had it not been for the bravery and ingenuity of officers George and Trapalis, the victim and her unborn child would surely have succumbed to the smoke and fire. The F.O.P. is proud to present them with the Life Saving Award.”
Printable Version