Batavia Police Officers Receive Valor Awards

Department's Highest Honor for Heroic Actions During August 2025 Critical Incident
 
BATAVIA, IL (July 20, 2026) — The City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department have awarded the Department's highest honor, the Valor Award, to Sergeant Michelle Langston, Sergeant Bryan Lorden, Officer David Saad, and Officer Alexander Buhler for their extraordinary courage and lifesaving actions during a critical incident on Aug. 16, 2025.

The Valor Award is presented to Batavia Police Department members who demonstrate exceptional bravery while facing imminent risk of serious bodily harm or death. It is the highest commendation awarded by the Department.

The officers were recognized during a City Council meeting on July 20, 2026.

Prior to the presentation of the Valor Awards, Police Chief Eric Blowers provided the City Council and those in attendance with an overview of the Aug. 16, 2025, incident, summarizing the events that led to the officers' recognition and the extraordinary actions they took to protect the children and the public.

On Aug. 16, 2025, Batavia police officers responded to an apartment on Wilson Street after receiving a report of a suicidal individual with children inside the residence. Upon arrival, officers determined the children were in immediate danger. One child escaped from a second-floor balcony and was safely rescued. Despite learning the individual inside was armed, officers continued their efforts to rescue the second child while coordinating additional law enforcement resources and securing the area.

Through the officers' coordinated response, the second child was able to escape safely from the apartment. Shortly afterward, the individual began firing at officers and in the direction of the children and nearby civilians. Throughout the incident, officers protected the children, coordinated the emergency response, and prevented additional harm to the public. The incident ended after the individual died by suicide. Police officials determined the officers' courage, teamwork, and decisive actions saved the lives of the children and helped prevent an even greater tragedy.

"The courage displayed by these officers represents the very best of the Batavia Police Department," said Police Chief Eric Blowers. "Each officer placed the safety of others ahead of their own, making split-second decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Their professionalism, teamwork and selfless actions unquestionably saved lives."

Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke said the officers exemplified the City's highest ideals of public service.
"The bravery and dedication demonstrated by these officers in the face of unimaginable danger reflects the very best of Batavia," Mayor Schielke said. "We are deeply grateful for their commitment to protecting our community, and it is an honor to recognize them with the Department's highest award."

The City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department extend their gratitude to the numerous law enforcement and emergency response agencies that assisted during the incident and acknowledge the professionalism and teamwork displayed throughout the response.

The Valor Award remains the Batavia Police Department's highest recognition for acts of exceptional bravery performed under the most dangerous circumstances.
 

Officer Alexander Buhler	Sergeant Michelle Langston
Sergeant Bryan Lorden	Officer David Saad