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Sergeant Derrick Verge honored with the Police Medal of Valor from Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
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Introduction
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The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police honors Sergeant Derrick Verge with the Police Medal of Valor.
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Recommended Action
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Prior Board Action
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Background
The Police Medal of Valor Annual Awards Program is a statewide recognition program under the leadership and policy of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP). It is intended to recognize police personnel for their significant contributions to the cause of Law Enforcement in the State of Illinois. The award recognizes extraordinary valor and heroism, outstanding actions, exceptional achievements, and innovative approaches to public service while maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism.
Event Synopsis:
On November 29, 2024 at 0905 hours, Jerell Thomas entered the Chase Bank located at 1048 Lake Street. He has an interaction with the bank manager. At 0927hrs, Thomas displays a handgun and walks out of the bank, gun in hand.
Officers responded, and Sgt. Ruiz observed the offender walking Eastbound in the 800 block of Lake Street, and he engages in conversation with Thomas in front of the Oak Park Library. Detective Reddins approaches Thomas, and both Sgt. Ruiz and Det. Reddins ask Thomas several times to show his hands. Thomas pulls a handgun from his pocket and fires multiple rounds at Ruiz and Reddins, whereupon Det. Reddins is wounded.
At 0937 hours, WSCDC broadcasts a call of an officer shot. Sgt. Verge leaves the scene of a domestic and arrives on the scene whereupon he initiates pursuit of Thomas, and observes the offender with a gun in his hand near the Library pillars. He radios other officers that he is flanking the offender, and fires 2 shots from approximately 40 yards away, striking Thomas in the right thigh and grazing his head. Sgt. Verge and other officers placed Thomas under arrest and recover a 9mm handgun.
Thomas was charged with the Murder of Detective Reddins and attempted murder of Sgt. Ruiz.
It is with great honor that Sergeant Verge is being presented with the Police Medal of Valor from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police by Chief Pat Kreis, the Vice President of the ILACP.
Timing Considerations
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Budget Impact
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Staffing Impact
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Prepared By: Shatonya Johnson, Chief of Police
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
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