Southgate Police Officer Jacob Kresslein (third from left) is joined by Southgate Director of Public Safety Joseph Marsh (left); his father, Bruce Kresslein; his mother, Carla Kresslein; Mayor Joseph Kuspa; and Police Chief Mark Mydlarz as he is honored with a Purple Heart medal and ribbon for the spinal injury he sustained July 30, 2023, when a drunken driver crashed in the rear of his stationary patrol vehicle on Northline Road when he was parked behind a disabled vehicle to investigate the situation.
A Purple Heart medal and ribbon honors Southgate Police Officer Jacob Kresslein following his recovery from the spinal injury he sustained July 30, 2023 when a drunken driver crashed in the rear of his stationary patrol vehicle on Northline Road when he was parked behind a disabled vehicle to investigate the situation.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – A Purple Heart medal and ribbon was awarded to Police Officer Jacob Kresslein May 1 following his recovery from the spinal injury he sustained July 30, 2023, while on duty.
While investigating a disabled vehicle on Northline Road near West Frontage Road and I-75 about 10:30 p.m., Kresslein parked his fully marked police vehicle, with police lights activated, behind the stopped vehicle when a drunken driver crashed into his police vehicle.
Kresslein suffered a thoracic spinal fracture that required invasive spinal surgery, followed by months of intense physical therapy.
Public Safety Director Joseph Marsh said Kresslein, like all first responders, is out there every day to do his job to protect people.
He said Kresslein had called a tow truck, which they were waiting to arrive, when the officer’s vehicle was rear-ended by a drunken driver.
“That impact caused a thoracic spine fracture to Officer Kresslein, and that subsequently led to a back surgery and about six months of physical therapy and rehabilitation,” Marsh said. “I’m glad to announce that Officer Kresslein is now back to work with us and on full-duty status.”
Marsh said following the crash, Kresslein was worried that his career might be over.
“This was some difficult conversations to have with an employee and to try to guide him through this,” he said. “We’re so thankful he made a full recovery.”
Marsh said this is the first Purple Heart medal to be issued to a Southgate police officer. There is also a ribbon to be worn on his uniform.
“We appreciate all of his service to the community,” Marsh said.