Illinois State Police Awards

The recipients of these awards exemplify the motto of the Illinois State Police- Integrity, Service and Pride. These men and women have been recognized for their display of professionalism, dedication, and exemplary service to the citizens of Illinois.

 
2022 Officer of the Year
Trooper Ryan W. Donegan
Matthew R. Poulter

Currently assigned to the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) Unit within the Strategic Operations Command, Trooper Ryan Donegan’s unwavering dedication to serve the people of Illinois is reflected through the daily performance of his duties, his high criminal arrest record, his dedication to removing im-paired drivers from our roadways, and his willingness to mentor other officers.

Trooper Donegan is a three-year veteran of the ISP, and a Unit-ed States Air Force veteran with seven years of dedicated ser-vice. During 2022, Trooper Donegan was assigned to District Chicago until May 2022, when he began a temporary duty as-signment to the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Team. Trooper Donegan is also a Field Training Officer who trained sev-eral District Chicago Probationary Troopers during 2022.

In 2022, Trooper Donegan conducted 352 traffic stops, made 34 Driving Under the Influence arrests and 42 criminal arrests, seized 19 firearms, and recovered 18 stolen vehicles.

 

Special Agent Jeffrey Karns, assigned to the Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), distinguished himself throughout 2022 through exceptional leadership, unmatched work ethic, operational focus, and superior service .

In 2022, Special Agent Karns was responsible for investigating multiple high-profile violent crime investigations. He opened over 22 criminal cases, completed over 180 investigative re-ports, and conducted more than 70 cellular data extractions. As a certified Cellebrite Analyst, Special Agent Karns frequently per-forms cellular data extractions from cellular devices related to Zone 6 Violent Crime and Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) investigations. Special Agent Karns continues to be the subject matter expert with data collection and cellular extrac-tion capability and is routinely called upon for his expertise.

Special Agent Karns routinely gives back to the community by engaging the youths of the Metro East through events as the National Night Out, Illinois Department of Natural Resources/ISP Fishing Derby at Frank Holton State Park, Christmas Toy Drive and Delivery events, and East Saint Louis High School Homecom-ing events.

2022 Special Agent of the Year
Special Agent Jeffrey L. Karns
Kathy Ecklund
 
2022 Telecommunicator of the Year
Telecommunicator Specialist
Donald G. Caraway
Amanda Humke

Telecommunicator Specialist (TCS) Donald Caraway has proudly served the Illinois State Police (ISP) for nearly 5 years at the Du-Quoin Communications Center.

TCS Caraway was instrumental in assisting his supervisors with the transition and training of other TCSs on a new computer aided dis-patch program. On his own initiative, he studied the program in depth, reviewed all training materials, and became proficient at troubleshooting issues. He freely shared his knowledge among his peers and helped them realize the most efficient ways to utilize the new program. TCS Caraway has great knowledge of comput-ers and software programs which make him a very valuable mem-ber of the communications team.

One noteworthy highlight from Donald’s award-winning year was his careful handling of an incident where a Trooper was struck by a motorist leading to injury. He demonstrated a very calm, com-posed, and professional demeanor throughout the traumatic inci-dent. His actions helped others stay focused and keep control dur-ing the intense situation.

TCS Caraway provides a positive impact in his community. He is active with local youth as a Boy Scout leader and with the local 4H Club. He has helped provide local youth the opportunity to travel to a conference while also helping the local high school band.

 

Mr. Brian Stevenson serves as a Forensic Scientist III in the Drug Chemistry Section at the Metro East Forensic Science Laboratory. Throughout his career, he has been a model of professionalism, knowledge, and service. Mr. Stevenson has consistently been a highly productive analyst, and his commitment to providing quality services to the criminal justice system has been exceptional.

Mr. Stevenson is often the go-to person for resolving general La-boratory Information Management System (LIMS) software issues in the Drug Chemistry Section. He also routinely assists with trouble-shooting instrumental issues in the Drug Chemistry and Trace Chemis-try Sections and is the point person for coordinating all new instru-ment installations. He facilitated networking the Section’s instru-ments which improved the Drug Chemists’ ability to record analytical results more efficiently.

Mr. Stevenson serves in several supportive roles to the Forensic Sci-ences Command. He is the Chairperson of the Drug Chemistry LIMS Committee, which helps resolve software issues and implement solu-tions that affect Drug Chemists across the state. He also serves on the Drug Chemistry Command Advisory Board. This board leads and im-plements process improvement initiatives for the Section statewide.

In his time away from work, Mr. Stevenson can often be found volunteering with a local non-profit organi-zation, Restore Décor, where he applies the same level of commitment as he does with his work responsi-bilities.

2022 Forensic Scientist of the Year
Forensic Scientist III
Brian A. Stevenson
Kathy Ecklund
 
2021 Officer of the Year
Sergeant Justin A. Frankford
Matthew R. Poulter

Assigned to District 18 in 2021, Sergeant Justin Frankford’s work ethic, professionalism, courage, and overreaching desire to be of service to others is evident in his daily work performance. Ser-geant Frankford’s unwavering dedication to serve the people of Illinois is reflected through the daily performance of his duties, his high criminal arrest and traffic enforcement record, and his invest-ment in his community.

Sergeant Frankford is a self-motivated person who led the Division of Patrol in interdicting criminal activity for the last four years. In 2021, Sergeant Frankford’s relentless pursuit to prevent crimes from occurring led to him making 439 criminal arrests, which in-cluded numerous drug arrests. In 2021, Sergeant Frankford’s efforts to interdict crime led to the seizure of 53 illegal firearms- the most by anyone in the ISP. Sergeant Frankford’s efforts align and contribute to the ISP mission.

Frankford is actively involved in his community and has participat-ed in several non-profit events in his community that involve chil-dren. One event is the Squirrel Bowl, which he co-founded, and is held to raise and donate money to Honor Flights and underprivi-leged children in need of food and clothing.

 

Special Agent John Murphy, assigned to the Zone 1 Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), has be-come recognized by his supervisors and peers alike as an intelli-gent, competent, and hard-working investigator frequently sought out to assist in long-term investigations.

In 2021, Special Agent Murphy was responsible for investigating multi-ple violent crime investigations, including but not limited to first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery, aggra-vated kidnapping, criminal sexual assault, aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death and threat to a public official. Special Agent Murphy opened over 18 criminal cases, completed 222 investi-gative reports and 142 Evidence Expenditure reports, and executed over 120 search warrants. Special Agent Murphy assisted with investi-gating over 40 cases and responded to over 20 after-hour callouts. Special Agent Murphy mentored and supervised ten Special Agent Candidates newly assigned to the VCU.

2021 Special Agent of the Year
Special Agent
John M. Murphy
Kathy Ecklund
 
2021 Telecommunicator of the Year
Telecommunicator Specialist
Mark A. White
Matthew R. Poulter

Telecommunicator Specialist (TCS) Mark White has proudly served the Illinois State Police (ISP) for over 25 years and has exhibited exem-plary performance.

TCS White not only has an exhaustive knowledge of the position; but he openly and freely shares that with his colleagues, particularly new staff that are coming on as trainees. TCS White has developed an ex-tensive network of professional relationships with colleagues in vari-ous facets of Emergency Medical Service and has shown an aptitude for following up with these peers after a difficult call and sending emails to recognize the efforts of others with a like-minded mission to serve the public.

One noteworthy highlight from Mark’s award-winning year was his careful handling of a stolen vehicle incident in Moline that was attempting to flee and elude police. The suspects crossed several dis-tricts in their attempted escape and TCS White remained on the tele-phone with the vehicle owner and provided updates on the status of the pursuit, which ultimately led to the suspects capture without inci-dent.

TCS White shows an extraordinary desire to keep developing in his role and has furthered his education in the field as evidenced by his efforts with the RapidSOS pilot program at the Sterling Communica-tions Center that is expected to be an asset for ISP for many years to come.

 

Mr. Bryan Tomac serves as a Forensic Scientist II in the Firearms/Toolmarks Section at the Metro East Forensic Science Laboratory. With only seven years of experience in the field of forensic science, Mr. Tomac has already established himself as a model of innova-tion and professionalism.

Mr. Tomac has demonstrated extensive job knowledge and confi-dence, related to evidence handling and the Laboratory Infor-mation Management System (LIMS). He trains user agencies on how to use the LIMS evidence submission interface and provides valuable assistance whenever agencies encounter challenges. At the Metro-East Laboratory, Mr. Tomac completed firearms analyses that were critical to supporting the Illinois State Police (ISP) Public Safety En-forcement Group (PSEG). PSEG and the Division of Criminal Investiga-tion Zone 6 focuses on reducing violent crime in East Saint Louis. Mr. Tomac’s work provided forensic support of these activities.

In 2021, Mr. Tomac completed over 350 cases, and more than 50 per-cent of these cases were completed in seven days or less. In addition to this commendable productivity, he was also relied upon to work difficult, complex, and large cases. Mr. Tomac’s dedication to provid-ing exceptional service to the ISP, the criminal justice system, and the community is recognized and greatly appreciated.

2021 Forensic Scientist of the Year
Forensic Scientist II
Bryan A. Tomac
Kathy Ecklund
 

Director’s Award of Distinction

The Director’s Award of Distinction may be presented to any individual, agency, or group outside the Illinois State Police who gave extraordinary support and assistance to accomplish the goals of the Department.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Michael Chamness, retired, Illinois Terrorism Task Force
David R. Curley, Bloomingdale, Illinois
Terrence D. Donnell, Tinley Park, Illinois
Officer Jarrod Elliott, Illinois Conservation Police
Keith D. Gray, Homer Glen, Illinois
Johnathon G. Nuckles, Elwood, Illinois
David Marcet, Hinsdale, Illinois
Keith Olson, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
Kevin Olson, Illinois Department of Transportation
James V. Riley, Vice Chairman, Illinois State Police Merit Board
David Schillinger, Colona, Illionis
Anthony J. Shipman, Macomb, Illinois
Officer Raymond L Sollars, Chrisman Police Department
Wojciech Szflarski, Lockport, Illinois
Daniel J. Tuohy, Stillwater, Minnesota
Grace Tuohy, Stillwater, Minnesota
Susan L. Tuohy, Stillwater, Minnesota
Quinton D. Wallace, Herrick, Illinois
Chadwick J. Willey, Industry, Illinois

 

Medal for Valor

The Medal for Valor is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel who perform an act of exceptional bravery with an awareness of the possibility that the act could result in great bodily harm or death to themselves.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Sergeant Jeffery A. Graham
Sergeant Matthew W. Hannan
Sergeant Jeff D. Moore
Special Agent Tyler J. Hoogerwerf
Special Agent Mark S. Perry
Trooper Adam G. Bowers
Trooper Marcos M. Diaz
Trooper Delano D. Harris-Samuels
Trooper Michael D. Higgins
Trooper Alexander J. Oakley
Trooper Matthew A. Reents
Trooper Steven E. Smith
Trooper Robert D. Swift

 

Medal for Honor

The Medal for Honor is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel who perform a heroic act, that by its nature, results in saving a life, preventing a serious crime, or apprehending a person who committed a serious crime. The eligible act, while of a lesser degree than that required for the Medal for Valor, must nevertheless have been accomplished with distinction.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Trooper Joseph A. Gray
Trooper Kevin M. Howell

 

Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel who have made truly outstanding achievements contributing to the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the Department by consistently perform-ing their duties with outstanding skill, diligence, productivity, judgment, and responsibility. These achieve-ments must be beyond the requirements of the normal work assignment.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Inspector Greg C. Robinson
Sharon S. White

 

Achievement Medal

The Achievement Medal is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel performing an outstanding act, or acts, that results in improved administration or operation, substantial savings in labor or operational costs, greatly enhances the mission of the ISP, or bring great credit to the Department. The act or acts must be because of performance beyond the requirements of the normal work assignment.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Dr. Andrew J. Dennis
Assistant Deputy Director Thé V. Tran
Captain Gregory A. Hacker
Captain Larry J. Martinez
Lieutenant Christopher J. Weidler
Master Sergeant Timothy M. Good
Master Sergeant Michael D. Link (2)
Master Sergeant Charles R. Tolbert
Sergeant Michael L. Kindhart
Sergeant Paul D. Maravilla
Bureau Chief John Mack

Amy J. Jeffers
Jill Anderson
Jaime M. Brock
Jonathan E. Earnest
Bruce A. Kugler
Elizabeth J. Luper
Robyn L. Nation
Laura J. Reisse
Colleen O’Sullivan
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Carl J. Weitzel
Lieutenant (Retired) Robert Sgambelluri

 

Lifesaving Medal

The Lifesaving Medal is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel who perform actions or who apply tech-niques that result in saving or sustaining a human life.

2021 and 2022 Recipients

Lieutenant Kenneth B. Benson
Master Sergeant Bryan M. Clauson
Master Sergeant Jeffrey D. Enderli
Master Sergeant Daniel R. Menke
Master Sergeant Jason Ramert
Master Sergeant Jarran T. Riley
Sergeant Travis Richard T. Helkey
Sergeant Steven K. Korzenewski
Sergeant Cynthia Wilsdorf
Special Agent Emmarie L. Snyder
Special Agent Kasey D. Stinebaker
Special Agent Colin M. Subick
Trooper Javier Barboza
Trooper Daniel L. Broadway
Trooper Jonathan P. Carrigan
Trooper Brandon C. Engleking
Trooper Nathan A. Fey
Trooper Douglas T. Fillip
Trooper Blake W. Fox
Trooper Matthew A. Giamanco (2)
Trooper Francis M. Gilliam
Trooper Ravonn E. Hankins
Trooper Michael D. Higgins

Trooper Edward R. Kazupski
Trooper Brandon D. Kittle
Trooper Eric J. Kuchta
Trooper Vitto J. Lozada
Trooper Adam T. Markwell
Trooper Kristopher Martinez
Trooper Alec R. McCarthy
Trooper Christopher L. McClenning
Trooper Anthony W. McLaren (2)
Trooper Ryan A. McMahon
Trooper William C. Mueller
Trooper David Roman
Trooper Riley A. Stevens
Trooper Miguel N. Vega
Trooper Ryan N. Wagner
Trooper Scott A. Wetzler
Trooper Clayton R. Woodard
Sergeant Jeffery D. Jones
Sergeant Carlton Riley
Officer Michael A. Boyd
Officer Lasalle D. King
Trooper (Retired) Troy R. Davis

 

Purple Heart Medal

The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel, who, while in the performance of enforcement duties, are seriously injured or killed while encountering deadly force or other actions causing serious, life threatening injuries or death. The eligible duties do not include accidental or reckless behavior by the officer.

This medal was not awarded in 2021 or 2022

 

Medal of Justice

The Medal of Justice is awarded to Illinois State Police personnel by the Governor or Director, for distinguished, his-torically significant service, advancing the Illinois State Police core mission of seeking and promoting justice for the people of Illinois.

This medal was not awarded in 2021 or 2022