Story posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Resident, Detective Honored For Coming To Aid
Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski honored two people at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting.
He thanked Helen Regas for her actions on Nov. 11, 2009.
"In the evening hours, there was a hit-and-run accident over near Western and Dempster," Kaminski explained. "A 16-year-old child was riding a bike, minding her own business, and a car comes and hits her." Regas saw the accident and went to assist the girl.
"You comforted her and stayed with her," Kaminski said. "The quick action on your part was really helpful to that 16-year-old who was very traumatized."
Regas also gave police some information about the suspect, although officers have not located the driver.
"I really don't deserve anything special," Regas told the council. "Any decent human being would never have taken off; that's bothered me ever since."
Kaminski also thanked Detective Sergeant John Huinker of the Niles Police Dept. On Nov. 18, there was a robbery at Walgreens, 901 W. Touhy Ave.
"The guy had taken a lot of items. The store clerk noticed that and tried to prevent the guy from leaving," Kaminski said. The altercation moved into the parking lot where the suspect began beating the clerk.
"He was getting the better of the situation, then Sgt. Huinker stopped by," Kaminski said. Although he was off duty, he stopped, assisted the clerk, and ultimately captured the suspect. "We're grateful for the effort." Huinker, accompanied by Police Chief Dean Strzelecki and Commander Dennis McEnereney, said he was glad he could help.
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