City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  October 18, 2005

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve Proclamation No. 05-19, recognizing the actions of Julie Kusowski in an Amber Alert incident.

I

Background:

Ms. Kusowski is being recognized this evening by the Oak Creek Crime Stoppers for her actions in possibly saving two lives on June 12, 2005.

Fiscal Impact:  None

Prepared by:

Thomas P. Bauer

Chief of Police

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk

COUNCIL PROCLAMATION NO. 05-19

CONGRATULATIONS TO

JULIE KUSOWSKI FOR

ACTIONS TAKEN DURING AN AMBER ALERT

WHEREAS, On June 12, 2005, Julie Kusowski, while traveling back to Marquette University where she was a student, had occasion to travel through the City of Chicago, Illinois. While en route, she observed expressway reader boards on I-94 indicating an “Amber Alert” for a missing infant abducted by a non-custodial father who was threatening to kill himself and the child.

WHEREAS, Ms. Kusowski had observed the vehicle matching the description an hour later as she approached Rawson Avenue in the City of Oak Creek. She slowed her vehicle, trying not to gain the attention of the wanted vehicle’s driver, and was able to verify that the license plate matched that of the Amber Alert. She immediately used her cell phone to dial 9-1-1.

WHEREAS, the Oak Creek Police Department was not aware of the Amber Alert because the investigating agency in Illinois had reason to believe that the suspect vehicle would likely travel in a southern direction. Ms. Kusowski informed Oak Creek emergency dispatchers of the Amber Alert and of her observance of the matching vehicle in the area.

WHEREAS, Ms. Kusowski’s call and the information provided led to the suspect’s arrest and the child being taken into protective custody in the City of Oak Creek a short time later. Her actions prevented a potentially tragic situation from occurring. The suspect was charged with offenses related to this event and the child was safely returned to her custodial mother.

WHEREAS, the Oak Creek Police Department feels that Ms. Kusowski’s awareness, quick thinking, courage and willingness to become involved reflects greatly on her character and should be commended. In addition, the Oak Creek Crime Stoppers had reviewed this case and found that Ms. Kusowski’s involvement is an example of the highest ideals of their organization’s mission of reporting crime. They, therefore, wish to present her with a symbol of their appreciation in the form of a cash award.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Oak Creek hereby congratulate Julie Kusowski for her commitment to the protection of life and civic duty.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this proclamation be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and that the City Clerk be and she is hereby directed to transmit a suitable copy thereof to Julie Kusowski.

Dated this 18^th day of October, 2005.

            _______________________________

            Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________

City Clerk

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Alderperson, 1st District                                                  Alderperson, 4th District

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Alderperson, 2nd District                                                Alderperson, 5th District

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Alderperson, 3rd District                                                 Alderperson, 6th District