The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy who stopped an armed robbery by shooting the suspects was recognized Monday for his courage.
Deputy Frank Pobjecky received the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor as the result of preventing a holdup at Marie's Pizza, 1513 Charles St., Rockford, on Oct.1, 2011.
The deputy was off duty and visiting at the business when four men came in demanding money. He picked up a gun belonging to the business owner and fatally shot 16-year-old Michael D. Sago of Rockford and wounded three others. A Winnebago County grand jury ruled the shooting justified.
The Medal of Honor is the state’s highest law enforcement award. It is presented to police officers who risk their lives above and beyond the call of duty.
“He’s certainly deserving,” Sheriff Dick Meyers told the Rockford Register Star. “He’s an excellent officer. It’s obvious his training in the military and on the department has paid off for him.”
Pobjecky is a U.S. Army veteran who served a tour of duty in Iraq before joining the Sheriff’s Department less than five years ago.