Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Fire Commissioner Richard C. Ford II today honored the exemplary service of Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) personnel at the Carter Harrison Lambert Tree Awards ceremony at City Hall. 

“Each and every day, the courageous men and women in our Police and Fire departments selflessly serve our City, keeping residents safe and communities strong,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Chicago's finest and bravest put their duty to strangers above any potential danger they may face, are first on the scene and the last on patrol. Through these awards we can, in a small way, pay tribute to the heroes among us.”

In 1885, the City Council established the annual Carter Harrison and the Lambert Tree Awards to recognize the actions and outstanding bravery of select members of the Fire Department and Police Department in the line of duty. The Awards are named after Chicago Mayor Carter H. Harrison and Judge Lambert Tree. The first year of the Awards, Judge Tree donated $700 to the City of Chicago for a gold medal to be presented to a heroic firefighter and Mayor Harrison responded by matching the request so that a police officer could be honored as well.

Every other year, the recipient of each of these recognitions alternates between CFD and CPD. This year, the Lambert Tree Medal is being awarded to members of Police Department, while the Carter Harrison Medal is being awarded to a member of the Fire Department.

“Every single day our police officers and firefighters respond to thousands of calls for help from complete strangers and without hesitation, they are willing to risk their lives in the name of safety and service to our city,” said Superintendent Johnson. “These heroes have an unrivaled work ethic and commitment to making our city safer and stronger and I am privileged for the opportunity to work alongside them every day.”

“While these members shy away from public recognition of what they do day in and day out, it is important that we recognize those actions that go above and beyond,” said Fire Commissioner Ford. “I am proud if their actions and congratulate them on the recognition.”   

2018 Lambert Tree Award: District 15 Officer Patrick Forbes & District 24 Officer Michael Hudson

While on Summer Mobile Patrol, Officers Forbes and Hudson attempted an investigative stop when a subject fled on foot to a nearby building while holding his side. The officers chased the subject to a third floor corridor where a violent struggle ensued. During the altercation, the offender discharged his handgun and shot Officer Hudson in the hand, and Officer Forbes sustained face and upper body injuries. The offender was placed in custody a few houses away. Officer Hudson has undergone several surgeries and rehabilitation to repair tissue and bone damage sustained during the incident. Officer Forbes has since recovered and returned to duty.

2018 Carter Harrison Awards: Truck 28 FF/EMT Eric Claudio & 4th District Lt./EMT John O’Brien

On July 5, 2017 at 9:22 AM, Firefighter Eric Claudio and Lieutenant John O’Brien performed a heroic search and rescue of an occupant inside a building fire at 1833 N. Kimball Ave. With no water yet flowing into the building, they entered the first floor of the building under heavy smoke and fire, with zero visibility. They located an unconscious occupant, removed the occupant from the building, and performed CPR. Both demonstrated personal courage above and beyond the call of duty in the face of great risk of personal injury.

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