On Friday, Feb. 2, Addison police officer Dave Olejarz received the Bronze Star Medal for his exemplary leadership and meritorious service during his most recent deployment in Iraq. For six months, Olejarz served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 443rd Air Expeditionary Squadron, 387th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. While there, he led 150 airman and 45 contractors in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Officer Olejarz provided invaluable advice to multiple Air Force commanders on manpower issues crucial to the mission. With resoluteness, he faced three indirect fire strikes, a complex attack utilizing multiple weaponry and continuous threats from the enemy. Olejarz just retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force on Sunday, March 17 after 24 years of service and three deployments. He has been a police officer with the Addison Police department since Jan. 2017. Established in 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.
