Kane County Officer Of The Year: 2 Receive Louis Spuhler Award

ALGONQUIN, IL — The Kane County Chiefs of Police Association in partnership with the Batavia Moose Lodge #682 announced during the 43rd annual banquet Thursday at the Riverside Receptions in Geneva, the co-winners of the Louis Spuhler Award for outstanding police work in 2019. Sergeant Kevin Stankowitz and Officer Ian Abrahamsen, both from the Carpentersville Police Department were named the 2019 winners. In addition, a special recognition was given to the Aurora Police Department for their response to the Feb. 15, 2019 Henry Pratt Co. shooting, according to a news release from the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association.

The following is a summary of the incident involving Sgt. Stankowitz and Officer Abrahamsen, taken from the nomination letter submitted by Carpentersville Police Department Chief Michael Kilbourne, provided in the news release:

"On June 18, 2019, Officer Ian Abrahamsen and Sergeant Kevin Stankowitz responded to the area of Wakefield Dr. and Berkshire Circle after receiving information that a known gang member was present in the area and possibly in possession of a handgun. Upon arrival in the area, they immediately identified the suspect standing on the corner. The suspect began flashing gang signs at the officers’ unmarked squad as they drove by. The officers made the decision to approach the suspect.

Sergeant Stankowitz and Officer Abrahamsen made a U-turn and drove towards the suspect. The suspect drew a .38 special handgun from his waistband and immediately opened fired on the officers. He fired six times, striking the car with three bullets. One bullet went through the driver’s side window, inches from striking the officers. The second bullet struck the lower driver’s side window, being stopped by the door on direct course towards the officers. The third bullet struck the front bumper.

In fear for their lives and the lives of innocent people on the residential street, Officer Ian Abrahamsen quickly reacted and returned fire through the driver’s die window towards the offender. Sergeant Stankowitz and Officer Abrahamsen quickly exited the vehicle to obtain better cover. Officer Abrahamsen again engaged the offender who was still holding the handgun while fleeing on foot. The offender was struck two times.

The offender ran into a house where Sergeant Stankowitz and Officer Abrahamsen got in areas of cover and gave commands for the offender to exit the house and surrender. A short time later the offender gave in to the commands and exited without any further confrontation.

The Louis Spuhler Award is named after a retired Lieutenant from the Kane County Sheriff who approached the Batavia Moose Lodge with an idea to recognize the top police officer in the county. Lt. Spuhler passed away before he could see his idea put into action. The award was named in his honor. This was the 43rd annual event.

From Chief Michael Kilbourne, “All too often similar violent situations sadly end with law
enforcement officers losing their lives. Sergeant Kevin Stankowitz and Officer Ian Abrahamsen
acted the way they were trained in a profession they proudly serve. The focus of the officers
ensured only one outcome, to protect those we serve and go home at the end of their shift to
their families.”

The Batavia Moose presented a departmental recognition award to the Aurora Police Department for their response to the Henry Pratt Co. shooting, the news release said. The plaque was inscribed with, “In recognition for your bravery, courage, and response to the shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. on February 15, 2009. Presented by the Batavia Moose Lodge #682 and the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association (SIC).”

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly was the keynote speaker. Director Kelly spoke of officer wellness and the need to get help when needed, the news release said.

Additional nominees for this year included:

• Sergeant Daniel Haines — West Dundee
• Detective Eric Kistler — Bartlett
• Detective Andrew Houghton — Elgin
• Deputy Luke Weston — Kane County Sheriff
• Officer Ray Lopez — Aurora
• Investigator Jen Hillgoth — Aurora
• Officer Jose Jacobo — St. Charles
• Sergeant Boguslaw Kramarz — Illinois State Police District 2
• Sergeant Kevin Kelliher — Illinois State Police District 15
• Sergeant Eli Rivera — Geneva