To Serve and Protect: An Interview with Nora Tellez

In the early morning hours of September 3, 2006 seven Chicago Police Officers were the first to respond to a fire that broke out in a seven story apartment building. Since another devastating fire claimed the lives of six children in the same neighborhood just hours earlier, the officers on the scene understood the importance of acting quickly. Without any fire resistant gear, oxygen, or concern for their own safety the officers repeatedly entered the building till all the residents were brought out safely.

Among those officers was Nora Tellez who has been with the Chicago Police Department for a year and also serves in the military. Officer Nora Tellez, along with the other six officers who responded to the fire that morning, was awarded a Lifesaving Award by the Chicago Police Department and recognized by the City of Chicago for her heroic efforts.

Below, is some of my interview with Nora on her actions that day, the award she received and on being a police officer.

Q: Officer Tellez what is your rank?
R: I have completed my first year as Probationary Police Officer. I have six more months of probation before becoming a full blown police officer, which
provides me with more benefits and job protection.

Q: What made you decide to become a police officer?
R: Always wanting to become a police officer had a lot to do with my background. I grew up in a poor household, bounced around from home to home, and
had limited access to role models. I wanted to make sure I was one that did not become part of the statistics, fight to be anything I dreamed of, never forget
my background and be living proof that where there's a will there's a way. I become an officer to be able to help people, motivate others to achieve their
dreams.

Not everything has been easy and being adopted by an American family gave me the second chance in life that many don't get. I came to the USA when I
was eleven years old and it has become important to me to give back to this country in every possible way. I joined the military to prepare myself for the
challenge of being a police officer. I love Chicago, and this country, if my life should be needed to save another, so be it.