The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Blue Coats recognizes area service standouts
Every year the Lake County Blue Coats recognizes a safety service hero with the Jorge Medina Distinguished Service Award, but this year’s nominations were too incredible to narrow down to one person, said Lake County Blue Coats President Jason Wuliger.
This year’s recipients were Painesville police officer Ryan Cueni and Willoughby police officer Shane Rahz. They were awarded at the annual Lake County Blue Coats Dinner on Feb. 5 at LaMalfa Center in Mentor.
“This is our opportunity and great privilege to award the heroism of Lake County Safety Services,” Wuliger said.
Cueni was chosen to receive the award for his response to a vehicle pursuit that ended with the chased automobile overturning and landing upside down in a pond with occupants inside.
Surrounded by the dark water, Cueni pulled a female passenger from the sinking vehicle. Hearing more yelling, he reached in once more and rescued the second occupant moments before the vehicle completely submerged.
“These were folks that were running from the police. So as (Cueni’s) running to save their lives, he also has to be worried about what might be in that vehicle and what those people might intend for him,” Wuliger said.
“But without visible concern for that, he saved their lives. And so for that, we are grateful, and it’s an honor for us to be able to present this award.
After accepting the award, Cueni said he was “very honored to be recognized by such a prestigious group.”
Rahz, a motorcycle officer, was honored for his response to a house fire. While Willoughby Fire and Police were still responding, Rahz risked his life in entering the smoking house several times to rescue three elderly residents.
“He did not have any protective clothing a firefighter might have upon
making entry to a house like this,” Wuliger said. “Thanks to his heroism and putting himself last, he was able to save many lives that day.”
“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Rahz said. The Lake County Blue Coats works to provide support to the families of safety service members who die in the line of duty. They also provide scholarships to the children of safety service members and present the annual Jorge Medina Distinguished Service Award.
“The reason why we exist is to thank the people who put on a uniform every single day,” Wuliger said. “To let them know that those of us who do not put on that uniform care about them, value them and respect their service.”