Wednesday, January 25, 2017

So Proud

Last night my beautiful niece, Katie, was awarded Police Officer of the year in her precinct.   She's a wonderful young woman who is dedicated to her job but is also a wife, mom, sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece and good friend to many.  She is the first recipient of this award in the Oak Brook Police Department. (suburb of Chicago).  She's a detective who puts herself in danger every day to help keep her community safe.  I worry and pray for her safety as this world is increasingly becoming more scary....especially when people have such hate in their hearts for the police.  Well, last night was her time to shine and we're all so proud!

Her official portrait.
Her award!
How wonderful to be honored by your peers.
I know her mom (my sister Midge) and my Mom were so happy for her last night. In this picture from lft to rt is my brother Jim, Mom, Midge, Parker, Ella, Brooke next to Midge (Katie's oldest), Mason, her son, Katie, Blake her hubby, Amy, her sister, who's holding her son Conner.  As a side note, and strange coincidence, yesterday was the 13th anniversary of the passing of Katie's brother, Jono.  He was in college studying criminal justice to be a police officer like his big sister when he was tragically killed in a car accident.  Katie was on patrol that night and came to the accident scene.  I can't imagine how that would feel to be in that position and yet still be professional as the officer on duty.  She's an amazing woman.

I know he was smiling down on her last night.  Congrats Katie! We love you!


14 comments:

Kim said...

That is such a wonderful honour. She sounds like a remarkable woman.

Kay G. said...

What a wonderful post about a wonderful young woman! Your whole family must be so proud of her! (Well, you said "so proud", so I know you are!!)

Stacy said...

Proud family moments are the best!

joeh said...

Well earned I'm sure.

Shady Del Knight said...

Oh my gosh, YaYa, what a wonderful occasion filled with emotion. Your whole family can be very proud of your niece Katie, recipient of the Police Officer of the Year award. 13 years ago on that terrible night Katie proved she's got the right stuff, and here she is all these years later protecting and serving. She richly deserves this honor. It is wonderful to see your dear mother and sister Midge in that group shot along with the others.

Thank you very much for sharing this great news about Katie, dear friend YaYa!

betty said...

Congrats to Katie! So glad too your mom could be part of the celebrating! So sad about her brother, can't imagine her having to respond to that call. Definitely not a coincidence her award ceremony was on the anniversary of his passing.

betty

acorn hollow said...

God Bless her such a hard job but she is smiling and making a difference.
congrats to her and her family
Cathy

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Congratulations to Katie. May God bless her and protect her. Wow !

Rick Watson said...

This is an incredible honor. Jobs in law enforcement are not easy jobs. It takes a special dedication to earn something like this.

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

That is a bizarre and wonderful coincidence after such a terrible tragedy. I have nothing but respect for police officers. That job choice could never be an option for someone like me, and I have a deep appreciation for what they go through to keep us safe.

Julia said...

I'm so glad Katie received this award. This is such a dangerous job. I'm sorry about her brother's passing. It must have been so terrible for her.
I was home for my brother in law's funeral this week and we had a big ice and snow storm. A young man was killed in a car accident and the paramedic who was first on the seen saw that the dead young man was his son. How tragic.

I'm so glad your mom and family could make it to the presentation.
Hugs,
Julia

gin said...

Congrats to her! She is brave to face everyday not knowing what's around the bend. So heartbreaking about her being at her brothers car accident. We often don't think about those hard moments on police officers. But we're always grateful for their duty to serve and protect.

Kerri said...

Congratulations to your niece! What a wonderful award to be given...like you said, by her peers and the people who work with her everyday. Your post made me cry...can't imagine the hurt she carries with her. Some people are able to turn loss into something positive...and I imagine this is one of the reasons that makes her extra special and so wonderful at what she does.

Hilary said...

Congrats to your niece. What an honour. You and your family must be so incredibly proud of her. I totally understand the worry factor. My son is also a police officer. I try not to think about the danger aspect and focus instead on the pride.

So sad about her brother.. that particular memory must be so hard for your niece.