Yesterday, the Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted an awards ceremony in Springfield, Illinois. Officers, staff, families, and significant members of the public attended this ceremony to honor individuals who had shown exceptional dedication to public safety. The ceremony recognized individuals for their distinguished service to the state's citizens, according to Illinois State Police.
Director Brendan F. Kelly of ISP bestow many awards, including the Director's Award of Distinction, the Medal for Valor, the Medal for Honor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Achievement Medal, and the Lifesaving Medal. He lauded the recipients' commitment to ISP and the citizens of Illinois. He also expressed gratitude towards the officers for risking their safety to protect the public.
Several ISP employees additionally recognized for their exceptional service rendered throughout the years 2021 and 2022. Among them were the recipients of the ISP Officer of the Year, Special Agent of the Year, Telecommunicator of the Year, and Forensic Scientist of the Year.
In 2021, Sergeant Justin A. Frankford received the Officer of the Year award for his work ethic, professionalism, courage, and service commitment. His contributions significantly helped the Division of Patrol in combating criminal activity for past four years, racking up 439 criminal arrests in 2021 alone. Special Agent John M. Murphy also recognized as the Special Agent of the Year in 2021 for his expertise in investigating violent crimes and mentoring budding Special Agent Candidates, as mentioned in the press release.
In 2022, Trooper Ryan W. Donegan was the Officer of the Year. He had provided dedicated and quality service as a member of the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Unit and as a Field Training Officer. Meanwhile, Special Agent Jeffrey L. Karns won the Special Agent of the Year for demonstrating exceptional leadership, work ethic, and providing superior service.
Telecommunicators Mark A. White and Donald G. Caraway who were awarded for their dedication to service and the community, in 2021 and 2022 respectively. White showed an exceptional desire for constant development, while Caraway extended extra help in training and technology to his fellow telecommunicators.
The title of Forensic Scientist of the Year for 2021 and 2022 was awarded to Bryan A. Tomac and Brian A. Stevenson, respectively. Tomac, a Forensic Scientist II, was appreciated for his knowledge and reliability in complex cases, while Stevenson, a Forensic Scientist III, was noted for his professionalism and key role in resolving issues related to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) within their laboratory, furthers the press release.
The ISP Awards Ceremony was a platform that rightfully recognized the dedication and valor of the men and women serving the citizens of Illinois. Their unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and pride backed by the Illinois State Police's support, ensures the safety and welfare of their community.
