Illinois Guardsmen Recieves Chicago Police Youth Award

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CHICAGO (03/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guardsman and Chicago resident Spc. Paville Simpson received the 2012 Youth Appreciation Award, Mar. 14 at the 2012 Youth Appreciation Award Ceremony in Chicago.

Simpson, a military police officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, thwarted an armed robbery on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 7, after three juveniles attempted to rob a bystander at the North/Clybourn train station.

While on his way to work around 6:30 p.m., Simpson was flagged down by the robbery victim. After receiving the description of the suspects, he quickly went into action. Simpson chased the suspects up the stairs. Simpson seized two of them, both 16 years old, on a storage bin. The third suspect, a 17-year-old male, attempted to run back down the stairs. When Simpson caught him, the suspect pulled out a replica gun. Simpson then drew his own gun, which as a security guard he has a permit to carry. The suspects surrendered, and Simpson controlled the suspects until Chicago police officers arrived.

His heroic actions did not go unnoticed.

"It is quite a story," said 9th District Commander David M. Jarmusz. "I saw the story on the evening news and just had to meet him."

As it turned out, Simpson works as a security guard for World Security Agency right behind the district headquarters. Jarmusz nominated Simpson for the award.

When asked of his heroic actions, Simpson humbly denied being a hero.

"It's not about me being a hero. It's about me doing the right thing at the right time," Simpson said.

Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Joseph Patterson presented the awards to the over 50 awardees in attendance.

It's great to see young people doing positive things in the community. We are facing times right now where there is violence, not only throughout the city of Chicago, but throughout the nation. We see a lot of violence touching young people," said Patterson. "To see so many young people doing the positive things you are doing, and being recognized for it today, it is a great accomplishment. Keep going in the right direction, you truly are our future, and the heroes of tomorrow," he said.

CAPS Director Ronald M. Holt thanked the crowd of young award winners.

"We want to thank all of the young people who are going to be recognized tonight. It's not often you hear the community showing appreciation to the youth who are doing the right thing," said Holt. "You young people are the shining lights – the beacons of hope – you are the future. Stay inspired, because you all inspire us."

The Chicago Youth Appreciation Award Ceremony is held annually and recognizes young people from across the community for good deeds. Officers nominate youth in their districts for the award. For more information on the award contact the Chicago Police Department CAPS Implementation Office.

Photo 1: U.S. Army photo bt Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Illinois Army National Guardsman and Chicago resident Spc. Paville Simpson receives the 2012 Youth Appreciation Award, Mar. 14 at the 2012 Youth Appreciation Award Ceremony in Chicago. Pictured (from left to right) 9th District Commander David M. Jarmusz, Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Joseph Patterson, Simpson, Capt. Scott Kozak HHC, 404th MEB Commander, CAPS Director Ronald M. Holt, and Special Agent Larissa Camacho.