On November 3, 2019, Chicago Police SWAT Sgt. Mike Nowacki started the Hot Chocolate 15K carrying nearly 50 pounds of tactical gear. But the difficult race was only part of his plan. Hidden with him was an engagement ring. His girlfriend, fellow Chicago Police Officer Erin Gubala, was working near the finish line. After crossing it, Nowacki planned to find her and deliver a proposal speech he had carefully practiced. Then, with only about 150 yards left, he heard people calling for a medic. A woman had collapsed nearby. She had no pulse and was not breathing. Even though Nowacki was exhausted and still carrying the heavy equipment, he immediately left the course and ran to help. Alongside an off-duty firefighter, he began performing CPR. They continued until emergency responders arrived and used an automated external defibrillator, or AED. Police later said their quick actions helped save the woman’s life. After she was taken away by ambulance, Nowacki returned to the course and finished the race. Then he found Erin. Still shaken by everything that had happened, he could no longer remember the speech he had rehearsed. So he simply dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes. In one unforgettable day, Nowacki completed a demanding race, helped save a stranger’s life, and began a new chapter with the woman he loved. Sometimes the moments we plan are interrupted by the moments that show who we truly are.

On November 3, 2019, Chicago Police SWAT Sgt. Mike Nowacki started the Hot Chocolate 15K carrying nearly 50 pounds of tactical gear. But the difficult race was only part of his plan. Hidden with him was an engagement ring. His girlfriend, fellow Chicago Police Officer Erin Gubala, was working near the finish line. After crossing it, Nowacki planned to find her and deliver a proposal speech he had carefully practiced. Then, with only about 150 yards left, he heard people calling for a medic. A woman had collapsed nearby. She had no pulse and was not breathing. Even though Nowacki was exhausted and still carrying the heavy equipment, he immediately left the course and ran to help. Alongside an off-duty firefighter, he began performing CPR. They continued until emergency responders arrived and used an automated external defibrillator, or AED. Police later said their quick actions helped save the woman’s life. After she was taken away by ambulance, Nowacki returned to the course and finished the race. Then he found Erin. Still shaken by everything that had happened, he could no longer remember the speech he had rehearsed. So he simply dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes. In one unforgettable day, Nowacki completed a demanding race, helped save a stranger’s life, and began a new chapter with the woman he loved. Sometimes the moments we plan are interrupted by the moments that show who we truly are.