The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce two Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies receiving the Valor Award from the 100 Club of Chicago. Warrants Deputy Tomas Flores and Warrants Deputy Felix Pena accepted their Valor Awards on April 28th at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
On April 15, 2016, Deputy Flores received information a wanted fugitive from Florida was in Lake County. The man had arrest warrants for armed robbery, theft of a vehicle, a probation violation, and he was also the suspect in a double homicide in Kentucky.
Deputy Flores began checking the Antioch area, where the man was last known to be. He located the man’s vehicle in the parking lot of a bar and requested additional resources. The fugitive exited the bar and entered his vehicle. He then drove to another nearby bar, where he parked and remained inside his vehicle. Deputy Pena arrived on scene along with two other members of a fugitive task force. Deputy Flores, Deputy Pena, and the two task force members risked their lives and approached dangerous the fugitive.
As the four approached, the fugitive produced a large-caliber revolver. Deputy Pena alerted the others and shouted, “Gun!” Commands were given, instructing the man to put the gun down. The fugitive then pointed the gun at Deputy Pena. Deputy Pena and Deputy Flores along with the other task force members fired into the vehicle, striking the fugitive, which ultimately saved the deputies and task force members from being shot by the fugitive.
Sheriff Mark Curran said, “Deputy Flores and Deputy Pena showed extreme bravery, putting their lives on the line to apprehend a dangerous fugitive. I am grateful for their service to the people of Lake County, and I’m very proud of them being awarded The Hundred Club Valor Award!”
Since 1980 the 100 Club of Chicago has given The Hundred Club Valor Award to Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMS Professionals serving within Cook and Lake County. Awards are presented to those who have performed actions above and beyond the call of duty. It is the only civilian award that is permitted to be worn on the uniform in every municipality within Cook and Lake County.