Bulletin Notes
Law enforcement officers are challenged daily in the performance of their duties; they face each challenge freely and unselfishly while answering the call to duty. In certain instances, their actions warrant special attention from their respective departments. The Bulletin also wants to recognize those situations that transcend the normal rigors of the law enforcement profession.
Lieutenant John Laux of the Green Bay, Wisconsin, Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle in a local river. Upon arrival, he observed a vehicle partially submerged approximately 30 to 40 feet from shore—this distance consisted of nearly half ice, and only the trunk and a few inches of the back window were visible. Lieutenant Laux heard screaming and pounding from inside the vehicle. Officer Mark Stojny obtained a 30-foot aluminum ladder from a neighbor, and both officers walked onto the ice as far as possible before extending the ladder, which reached the rear of the vehicle. Lieutenant Laux tried to break the window with a window punch but was unsuccessful because his hands were so cold. He shattered the rear window with an expandible baton and rescued a woman, the lone vehicle occupant. She panicked and dragged Lieutenant Laux into the water before he calmed her and pulled her to safety. Lieutenant Laux received stitches for cuts on both forearms, and the woman ultimately was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Lieutenant Laux
Officer Stojny
Officer Sullivan
Officer Jerry Sullivan of the Longview, Texas, Police Department was the first responder to a house fire. Upon his arrival, he saw and reported that heavy smoke was coming from much of the residence, and he began inquiring about the number and location of the residents. Officer Sullivan learned that an elderly female had re-entered the burning structure to obtain her belongings. Quickly, Officer Sullivan went inside, battling heavy smoke and fire, and found the woman. He carried her outside to arriving fire and rescue units. The victim was treated at a local medical center for smoke inhalation and burns
Nominations for the Bulletin Notes should be based on either the rescue of one or more citizens or arrest(s) made at unusual risk to an officer’s safety. Submissions should include a short write-up (maximum of 250 words), a separate photograph of each nominee, and a letter from the department’s ranking officer endorsing the nomination. Submissions should be sent to the Editor, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA 22135.