SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local police officers injured or killed in the line of duty in recent years are receiving a high honor.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly Wednesday gave the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor to 136 officers from 41 police agencies.
“There are several instances recognized today where officers have seen vehicles or buildings on fire and have disregarded their own safety to save the people,” said Kelly, during a ceremony. “There are multiple situations where officers jumped into frozen rivers or ponds to save people in a submerged vehicle, or someone who’s fallen through the ice.”
Knox County Sheriffs Deputy Nicholas Weist was killed just last year in the line of duty — while Fulton County Deputy Troy Chisum was killed during a police standoff in 2019.
Peoria Police officer Ian McDowell, injured in 2018, and East Peoria Officer Jeffrey Bieber, injured in 2021, also were given medals in this area.
“The selflessness right here in this room includes high-intensity situations such as confronting an active shooter firing…rounds toward a crowd of people, or pursuing a suspect who was fleeing while shooting at innocent bystanders,” said Kelly.
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