By Dan McGrath
Dr. Marques Stevenson, Leo’s head football coach, had the next night’s game against St. Pat’s on his mind as he drove to school in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 12. A real-world experience jolted the coach from his blocking-and-tackling reverie and was later deemed heroic
Heading northbound on South Racine, Dr. Stevenson noticed a disturbance outside a home on the 8400 block. What he saw as he slowed for a better look horrified him – two dogs were mauling a woman.
A gun owner with a concealed-carry permit and extensive weapons training from his time in the military, Dr. Stevenson pulled over and jumped from his car to assist. The dogs were pit bulls in full lather. He shot both — one ran off and was later found dead in the home. The other was so ferocious it kept trying to get at the woman despite a debilitating wound to its rear hip area.
A police officer traveling southbound on Racine also noticed the disturbance and joined Coach Stevenson at the scene. She fired a shot that disabled the second dog, which was later euthanized by Animal Control.
The woman was rushed to St. Bernard’s Hospital, where she was expected to survive but faced the loss of her left arm. She did not live in the house, and her presence there at 7 a.m. was not explained. The dogs’ owner was not identified.
On Friday, Commander Michael Tate and a delegation of officers from the 6th Police District came to Leo to recognize Dr. Stevenson for his heroic act, presenting him with a certificate of appreciation at an all-school assembly. Joshua Smith was the MC, and seven fellow seniors spelled out the word “servant” and discussed its meaning.
“You showed great courage in a situation that not many people would have chosen to get involved in,” Commander Tate said. “And you saved a person’s life. Not all heroes wear badges and vests.”
Admittedly shaken by the experience, Dr. Stevenson said his instincts and training took over.
“It’s like I tell the boys, you can deal with tough situations if you’re prepared for them, and I felt like my preparation took over.
“It was tough for me, though, because I’m a dog lover. But when I saw what they were doing to a human being, I felt I had no choice.