Polo officers commended for saving man's life

POLO – For the second time in 7 months, Polo police officers won commendations for risking their lives to save another.

Polo Mayor Doug Knapp presented certificates of recognition to officers Troy Randall, 44, and Brian Diaz, 26, at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The two were on duty around 3 a.m. June 15 when they received a 911 call that a man was planning to commit suicide by stepping in front of a train near the Union Road crossing just north of the city limits.

They found him and he fled, then they enlisted the help of Ogle County Deputy Jon Shippert and his K-9 partner, Duke, who found the man near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks between state Route 26 and Union Road, Chief Jon Mandrell said.

“I’m just so proud of you guys for placing yourselves in harm’s way,” Mandrell said. “Your incredible judgment and incredible communication [with Shippert] saved a man’s life.”

Shippert, who was unable to attend the meeting, also will receive a certificate of recognition.

Polo officer Tim Rockwood, 39, was honored in November, also for saving the life of a man planning to commit suicide by stepping in front of a train.

After hearing a 911 call on Nov. 11, Rockwood drove to the Freeport Road crossing and arrived to see a train 30 to 40 yards east, with the man about 15 feet on the other side of the tracks. He ran across the tracks in front of the train to prevent the man from killing himself.

Rockwood is the Polo American Legion Police Officer of the Year and is in the running for a state award, Mandrell said.