During the National Night Out event held in Round Lake Beach, Ill., on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, two officers from the Village of Round Lake Beach Police Department were publicly recognized for outstanding performance.
Commander Paul Grace was awarded the American Legion Valor Medal and accompanying certificate for his performance on May 11, 2023. One his way to work Cmdr. Grace came across a citizen having a medical emergency in his vehicle. The vehicle was in drive, windows up, windows and doors locked, and the driver was clearly in distress. Cmdr. Grace used his handcuffs to break out a window and gain entry into the vehicle, stopped the car and put it in park. Cmdr. Grace secured the scene and rendered aid until the rescue squad arrived. His quick thinking and resourcefulness directly led to saving of the citizen's life.
Detective Bobby Barrera was awarded the American Legion Meritorious Service Citation for his outstanding performance on June 13-14, 2022. On June 13, Detective Barrera was the first detective on the scene of a triple homicide in Round Lake Beach. Det. Barrera, utilizing officers from three surrounding communities, secured the crime scene and evidence. Det. Barrera ascertained the series of events and who was involved. Not being able to locate the father of the children, the manhunt commenced. Det. Barrera coordinated with several surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police, who finally made the apprehension after a car chase nearly 75 miles away. Det. Barrera's significant efforts directly led to the return of this dangerous fugitive to face justice. Det. Barrera was the lead investigator on the case that is currently working its way through the courts.