Three girls between 9 and 11 years old, whose parents asked to conceal their identities, barricaded themselves in the bathroom and called 911 when they heard glass breaking. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Alex Nitkin

JEFFERSON PARK — As a Chicago Firefighter, Tim Sanders knew how to react when he saw police officers chasing two men in his direction. But it was his college experience as a middle linebacker that ended up paying off, he said.

"I began to run after them just in an effort to keep track of where they were going," Sanders said. "Then I kept up with them, and when they were cornered by a fence I tackled one of the offenders and waited until the police" came.

The men had been running from a house in the 6800 block of West Hobart Avenue where three girls with a combined age of 31 had spoiled their break-in attempt minutes earlier.

All four good Samaritans got to retell the experience on Wednesday, when Jefferson Park District Cmdr. Bill Looney presented them with Citizens Awards for their part in bringing the would-be burglars to justice.

"It's just a great example of citizens — young people, in particular — working together," Looney said.

The girls, two sisters and their friend who ranged in age from 9 to 11, had been left home alone when they heard pounding on the front door around 10:30 a.m. June 15, they said. When they heard glass break, they bolted into the upstairs bathroom and locked the door.

"It was terrifying," said one of the girls, whose parents concealed their identities out of concern for their safety. "I was praying the whole time."

The girls called 911, and within 15 minutes they heard police radios echoing through the house, they said.

While they waited, Sanders and his wife, Lisa , were walking their German shepherd when they spotted the men running, they said. After Tim Sanders tackled one of the burglars, Lisa spotted his accomplice and brother hiding under a back porch.

Michael and Marcos Alarcon were arrested and charged with residential burglary.

Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st) credited the police for the arrests, while commending Sanders and the kids' quick actions for helping keep Norwood Park safe.

"I give a tip of the hat to the mothers and fathers of these children, for teaching them how to react to a situation like this, possibly saving their lives," said Napolitano, himself a former firefighter.

"And Tim and Lisa, I tip my hat to you too," the alderman added. "Even though you weren't working, you stood up and said 'Not in my watch — not in my community.'"