BENSENVILLE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Bensenville police officer critically wounded nearly two weeks ago is said to be making progress towards his recovery as an outpouring of support continues to grow for him and his family.
Officer Steven Kotlewski was shot eight times a week and a half ago while responding to a family dispute.
More than $164,000 has been raised for him and his family through a GoFundMe page.
Family spokesman and lawyer Richard Blass said Kotlewski is now breathing on his own with no breathing tube.
“The arm that he was not shot in, he’s getting more and more strength every day. He’s got breathing exercises that he’s doing, so respirations are getting stronger," he said.
"He was athletic before this even happened, so he’s making some very good progress.”
Kotlewski's sister-in-law, Ellie Murphy, who organized the GoFundMe page, said he underwent exploratory surgery on his legs this week to try to repair nerve damage. Blass also said it was the officer’s sixth surgery in less than two weeks.
The Bensenville Police Department said there’s going to be a Day of Support for the officer on Saturday November 27th. There’ll be a blood drive during the day, a candlelight prayer vigil in late afternoon and a benefit concert for him.
Blass, himself a retired police officer, said he’s not surprised so much money has been raised for the Kotlewski family.
“This is how public safety is. We look out for our own. We want to make sure that he’s got everything he needs and, just as importantly, that his wife and children have everything they need. You know, he’s got three kids.”
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