Officers from across Illinois receive Illinois law enforcement medal of honor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly joined law enforcement officials in Springfield for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony. The committee awarded 23 officers from 10 agencies for their heroic service to the people of Illinois.

“Today, we pay tribute to our heroic police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while protecting our communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognition can serve as a public reminder of our gratitude and a symbol of the sincere reverence we hold them in.”

The Medal of Honor is awarded to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, or who have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing their duties as a law enforcement officer.

“Today we recognize and praise these outstanding examples of courage,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “These men and women faced extreme danger, remained brave in the face of imminent threats, and performed with the highest heroism. Today and forever, we thank and honor them.”

The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee was established in statute through the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Act in 1990.

Current committee members include ISP Director Kelly, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Director Keith Calloway, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling, DeKalb Police Department Chief David Byrd, retired ISP Master Sergeant and St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye, Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg, and Central Illinois Police Training Center Director Brian Fengel.

The 2024 recipients for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor being honored this year are:

Chicago Police Department