5 Gurnee cops receive village's Purple Heart

Five of Gurnee's finest who were injured in the line of duty since 2004 were honored at Monday night's village board meeting.

Mayor Kristina Kovarik expressed her admiration for the officers before each was presented with a certificate and a uniform ribbon as part of the Purple Heart honor.

“I am in awe of what they do, all of our officers, every day,” Kovarik said. “They put their lives on the line every day they go on patrol.”

Only two Gurnee police officers — most recently in 2003 — received the village's Purple Heart before Monday evening. Purple Heart criteria established by the police department include being injured in the line of duty while trying to take a criminal suspect into custody.

Crime prevention technician Tom Agos, Sgt. James Lange and officers Matthew Baumann, Brian Jacobson and Scott Kotrba received the Purple Heart. They received a standing ovation from about 60 spectators, including family, friends and colleagues.

Agos was working as an officer when he was injured May 31, 2004, after responding to a domestic dispute where the offender aggressively resisted arrest. He injured his right shoulder and underwent extensive treatment and physical therapy, but he never regained a full range of motion.

He credited two fellow officers who were on the call with him and Gurnee paramedics for providing assistance that likely prevented more serious injuries.

“The fire department showing up that day and helping me was significant,” Agos said.

Lange was hurt April 5, 2005, while apprehending a fleeing suspect. After repeatedly telling the suspect to halt and then releasing police dog Hero to help, Lange injured his neck while trying to capture the suspect and returned to work only last month.

Noting that he endured four surgeries, Lange said, “I'm just really glad to be back.”

Baumann injured his right knee in 2009 while trying to detain a suspect at Gurnee Mills. He was disabled for two months.

Jacobson, who was hurt in 2010 while trying to break up a domestic battery, walked with a crutch Monday night and said he's had six surgeries. After working periodically on modified duty, he eventually was placed on medical leave and hasn't been able to return.

Kotrba was injured in 2011 when arresting a theft subject. He underwent significant medical treatment and rehabilitation for his injury, worked modified duty and was on medical leave until returning in October.