Kane County Reporter

Hoffman Estates Village Board of Trustees recently recognized one of the village's police officers who was honored for his involvement in the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics program. 

Lt. John Bending recently received the Flame of Hope award from Special Olympics Illinois. 

"I just wanted to say that as long as I have known John, he has had a passion for Special Olympics," Police Chief Kasia Cawley said at the March 6 trustees meeting.  "He has spent countless hours helping the organization, and a lot of that he has done on his own time, so he has a knack to rally people together and it’s fitting that this is on the heels of the polar plunge that we did yesterday. We had 31 people plunge yesterday and that was all under his leadership. It’s an honor to be able to work alongside him and the work that he does with Special Olympics. As police officers we’re not only here to enforce the law but we’re here to support the community, and there’s no better way to do that than through Special Olympics."

Tinley Park Police Sgt. Bill Devine serves as state director for the Torch Run, a law enforcement fundraiser for the Special Olympics. He compared the award Bending received to an officer of the year award, except Flame of Hope is for one of the more than 4,000 eligible officers who participate in Special Olympics events. 

Devine said that when Bending’s nomination for the award came in front of the board, it was the first time he can ever remember the board making a unanimous decision on the winner. He commended Bending for being an outstanding officer, an outstanding person, and member of his community. He also praised the Hoffman Estates Police Department, police chief, and trustees for supporting the village officers involvement in the community.

Bending responded to the award and standing ovation with a few words. “Thank you guys, the support that you guys give the police department and the whole village for Special Olympics is phenomenal," he said. "All of you have come out to the convoy, come out to the polar plunge, and all that kind of stuff. I really appreciate the support that you guys have. I might be getting the award today but it’s not me that does all the work, it’s these guys here, all the officers and cadets, and the village board. It’s a team effort and I’m just lucky enough to be getting the award here today.”