NEAR WEST SIDE — New Near West Police Cmdr. Edward Kulbida was honored with the "Top Cop" award for his outstanding service after he was seriously wounded in a shooting in the line of duty last year.
Before his promotion, Kulbida was shot in his head in October while on the job and returned to work in December.
On the afternoon of Oct. 7, Kulbida, then a captain in the Englewood District on the South Side, helped U.S. Marshals and the Chicago Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit execute a fugitive warrant in the 7200 block of South Lowe Ave. in Englewood.
When they arrived, Kulbida and his officers secured the back of the targeted building. Moments later, a radio transmission indicated that officers in the front of the building were under fire.
As Kulbida and other officers moved to the front of the building to aid fellow officers, Kulbida was shot in his head and shoulder by the wanted man and was severely wounded, according to police officials.
Kulbida was rushed to the hospital, and after surgery and weeks of arduous physical therapy, he was able to return to work.
The shooter was eventually taken into custody by SWAT officers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday that Kulbida's actions were a "shining example of the deep commitment" so many police officers have to serve and protect the city's neighborhoods.
"While most of us run away from danger, Cmdr. Kulbida — like the officers he leads — run towards it to protect our residents," Emanuel said. "He is brave, he is dedicated, and he is a leader who has unquestionably earned this high honor.”
The award, which pays tribute to law enforcement officers who exhibit outstanding service, is sponsored by the National Association of Police Organizations.
In April, city officials announced Kulbida, who has 30 years experience with the police department, would replace Cmdr. Melissa Staples as leader of the Near West District, headquartered on the border of Little Italy and Pilsen. Prior to being promoted to the Near West post, Kulbida served as an executive officer the Englewood District.
Staples, a 25-year veteran of the department, served as commander of the district since December 2012 when two police districts merged. She was reassigned to the Area North detectives division, where she is second in command.
The Near West District spans eight communities.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
