The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Police officers recognized for outstanding efforts
Lake County Police Chiefs Association presents awards to police department members
Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik and other members of the Lake County Police Chiefs Association recently presented awards to members of the Painesville, Willoughby Hills and Willowick police departments for their outstanding efforts in the past year.
On Sept. 1, Willoughby Hills Police Sgt. Greg Leonbruno along with Painesville Police Sgt. Matthew Tycast and patrol officer Chad Balausky and Daniel Thompson were presented with life-saving awards for their efforts. Willowick Police Sgt. Mark Guerrieri and Patrol Officer Ben Bruno were presented with the combat cross award.
On May 29, Leonbruno responded to a reported motor vehicle crash in Willoughby Hills. He arrived minutes before the fire department and found a man who crashed his motorcycle and had life-threatening injury to his right leg. Leonbruno applied his tourniquet to the man’s leg, stopping the bleeding.
“This quick thinking and critical decision made a difference in the outcome of this patient,” Reik said. “According to the medic in charge, it was learned that his blood pressure was critically low upon arrival at the ER and it may have been different if not for the efforts of Leonbruno. He is making a great recovery. We are proud.”
Balausky was honored for his actions of Sept. 29, 2020. Officers responded to reports of shots fired and Balausky was among the first to arrive. The officers observed a man on the front lawn with a leg wound. Balausky recognized that the wound included the femoral artery.
Without hesitation, he applied a tourniquet above the wound. The blood flow eventually stopped.
“Balausky took it upon himself to perform crime scene security and collect evidence. His actions had a positive impact on the patient’s outcome,” Reik said.
On June 12, Painesville officers were dispatched for a 4-yearold missing from the care of his grandmother. While officers were searching the residence and surrounding area, there was a report of a body in Painesville Recreational Park fishing pond. Tycast arrived in the area and met with a man who said that other fishermen spotted a body.
“While looking toward the area, 20 feet from shore, bubbles were seen emerging from what appeared to be a small person,” Reik said. “Tycast directed Balausky to receive a safety throw rope and Thompson entered the water, followed by Tycast without hesitation in full uniform and duty gear.”
Thompson carried the child to shore and cleared his airway while Tycast performed CPR. The boy began to breathe and the fire department took over aid.
“We commend the actions of both officers in saving a helpless child in distress,” Reik said.
Guerrieri and Bruno were nominated for the combat cross award for their efforts on Oct. 2, 2020. Willowick Police received a complaint of an erratic driver approaching Willowick Drive and Vine Street. Bruno began to follow the suspect’s vehicle until it stopped. When Bruno activated his lights, the suspect accelerated and failed to stop at a fourway intersection, striking another vehicle.
“The suspect finally stopped. Guerrieri arrived and pulled his patrol vehicle partially in front of the suspect to block him,” Reik said. “Both Guerrieri and Bruno approached the suspect and began issuing verbal commands to exit the car. The suspect produced a handgun and the officers retreated to cover as the suspect began firing at them.”
Both officers returned fire, striking the suspect several times. Bruno was struck by a bullet in his vest. The suspect was removed from the vehicle and first aid was rendered.
“These awards show the caliber of people we all have,” Reik said.