Glendale Heights, IL – In the early hours of December 14, 2025, officers with the Glendale Heights Police Department responded to a harrowing scene at Burdette Avenue and Roberta Avenue, where a vehicle had plunged into a pond.

Three individuals were found in the water, approximately 20-30 feet from the shore, with the vehicle submerged in about 12 feet of icy water. Responding Officers Dennis Stachura and Marco Lomibao immediately began lifesaving efforts, battling the freezing temperatures, ice, and treacherous conditions to keep the victims afloat.

Additional officers and the Glenside Fire Protection District joined the rescue, successfully pulling all three victims to safety. Thankfully, all sustained only minor injuries, and none of the officers were hurt. At the time, the air temperature was near 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Chief George Pappas praised the officers, stating, “Our officers are always ready and prepared for any situation. What could have been a tragic accident turned into heroic actions by Officers Stachura and Lomibao, and other responding officers on scene. I want to commend them for their selfless acts as they put their own lives at risk to rescue these three individuals.”

The driver of the vehicle was later charged with Driving Under the Influence. Body-worn camera footage of the rescue is available, with the victims’ faces blurred in accordance with Illinois law.

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