Champaign Police honor officers, staff for Lifesaving Acts and Service Excellence

Annual recognitions highlight heroism, leadership, and dedication across the department.

ContributedChampaign Police DepartmentOfficer of the Year was awarded to Jesse Brockwell, while Joseph Lamberson was named Employee of the Year.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign Police Department recognized dozens of officers, staff members, and volunteers for outstanding service, lifesaving actions, and professional excellence in its latest round of annual awards and commendations.

Among the department’s highest honors, Officer of the Year was awarded to Jesse Brockwell, while Joseph Lamberson was named Employee of the Year. Eric Seward received Volunteer of the Year honors, and Matthew Crane was recognized for Distinguished Leadership of the Year.

The department also celebrated multiple officers with Lifesaving Awards, recognizing their swift and decisive actions in critical moments. Honorees included:

• Samantha Barnhart
• Evan Brown
• Nikolas Cook
• Tyler Darling
• Austin Hinchman
• Logan Retzer
• Kyle Roneyfedt
• Matthew Silver

In addition, several members were recognized as Top Performers in Physical Fitness, highlighting their commitment to maintaining peak readiness. Those honored included:

• Kaitlin Föher
• Kevin Olmstead
• Aaron Lark
• Samantha Barnhart
• Amy Petrilli
• Alec Carrillo
• Caleb Rice

The department’s commendation recipients list reflected a wide range of service and dedication across the agency. Those recognized included:

• Christopher Aikman
• Sean Ater
• Tyler Bialeschki & Drax
• Jherion Broadnax
• Kelly Brown
• Kevin Burch
• Cristian Carrillo
• Jody Cherry
• Nathanael Epling
• Thomas Favot
• Timothy Frye
• Kyle Hayden
• McKenzie Hazelwood
• Marshall Henry
• Lauren Hill
• Matthew Iverson
• LaDarius Jackson
• Breanna James
• Jeffrey Lee
• Brian Maloney
• Arthur Miller III
• Christene Miner
• Sebastian Mora-Monge
• Kevin Olmstead
• Corey Phenicie
• Drew Rigsby
• Patrick Simons
• Mark Strzesak
• Dustin Sumption
• Maxwell Villanti
• Stephen Vogel
• Mason Voges
• Douglas Wendt
• Renae Yandell

In a statement accompanying the announcement, the department praised its personnel for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the awards reflect not only individual achievement but also a collective commitment to serving the Champaign community.