West Cook News

Three Cicero Police Detectives have been honored with the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association (HISLEA) Irma Ruiz Valor Award. The award ceremony took place on September 20, 2024.

The annual event recognizes officers from various law enforcement agencies who have shown leadership, commitment, and dedication to their profession. The Irma Ruiz Valor Award is given to officers who have performed a selfless act of heroism in the line of duty.

Detectives George Rangel, Jesus Jimenez, and Jose Gomez were recognized for their actions on May 29, 2024. While en route to an unrelated investigation, they responded to a critical call about a man with a gun at Planet Fitness located at 2300 South Cicero Avenue in Cicero, Illinois.

Upon arrival, the detectives were informed by the complainant that the armed individual was in the men’s locker room. The complainant provided a detailed description of the suspect.

The detectives entered the locker room tactically and encountered a person matching the description. As they attempted a protective pat-down, the suspect resisted, leading to a physical confrontation.

During this struggle, the suspect drew a black firearm from his waistband, racked a round into the chamber, and fired a shot that narrowly missed the detectives. Despite this immediate danger, the detectives managed to disarm the suspect and take him into custody.

The complainant later identified the suspect as the individual who had threatened him and his son with a firearm at Planet Fitness.

The suspect was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and two counts of aggravated assault.

“Detectives Rangel, Jimenez and Gomez are highly commended for their courageous actions which involved risking their lives to apprehend a dangerous criminal. Their actions exemplify the highest standards of valor and dedication to duty. We are very proud of them,” said Superintendent of Police Thomas Boyle.