Aurora police officer, Gerardo Chaidez, was honored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police at the Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, Tuesday, July 1.
January 19, 2024, Officer Chaidez was dispatched to a call of a dog viciously attacking a girl. When he arrived, he very quickly assessed the scene, decided on an action and carried out his decision. In this instance, he knew he had to immediately stop the attack of the dog.
To do this, he shot the dog three times. He then immediately began to render aid and direct other officers to get resources. A tourniquet was placed on a nearly completely severed arm. He did so while keeping calm and showing great compassion.
August 5, 2024, Officer Chaidez was on vacation in Texas. While traveling on Highway 20 outside of Colorado City, he witnessed a motorcycle crash and the rider of the motorcycle struck a guard rail. As a result, the rider’s leg was completely severed from his body.
Officer Chaidez quickly pulled over, dragged the victim out of the lane of traffic, which was a busy highway, removed his shirt to apply direct pressure and then improvised a tourniquet when he was given a belt. Again, he was the calm in the chaos. In addition, he showed a great deal of compassion.
— City of Aurora government