A couple of local law enforcement officers that were killed in the line of duty in recent years were honored this week in a Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield.
Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, and law enforcement officials from across the state honored the acts of heroism performed by local and state officers during the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony Wednesday in Springfield.
The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee awarded 136 officers from 41 agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the citizens of Illinois.
“Every single one of our Medal of Honor Awardees [exemplifies] the unwavering unselfishness and courage that it takes to be a true public servant,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the July 4th Highland Park massacre to hostage situations and armed robberies, Illinois’ police officers respond to our most daunting emergencies with resolve and selflessness — and on behalf of the people of Illinois, we couldn’t be more grateful.”
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 law enforcement officers.
Among the honorees included Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas D. Wiest, who received his award posthumously. Wiest was killed last year while trying to assist with the apprehension of an armed suspect who was involved in a police pursuit from Galesburg, traveling along U.S. Route 150.
“The special souls we pay tribute to met the common daily challenge of enforcing our laws with uncommon bravery,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee and the Illinois State Police honor these heroes, some who paid the ultimate price, in the pursuit of justice and the protection of public safety.”
Another local fallen officer was also honored. Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy P. Chisum, who was killed in June of 2019, was also posthumously honored. Chisum was killed in a standoff with an armed suspect in rural Avon.
The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee was established in statute through the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Act in 1990.
