Several members of the Centralia Police Department were among those recognized last week at the 31st Annual Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association and Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission Awards Banquet held in Fairview Heights.
Sergeant Trent Timmons received the prestigious Medal of Valor Award. The award is reserved for those who display bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of police service. Timmons was involved in an incident with a suspect armed with a knife. Even though he was himself injured during the incident, he was still able to take decisive action to protect himself and other officers.
Sergeant Ryan Bundy, Officer Nolan Beggs and Officer Travis Ripperda were awarded the Life Saving Award. The three officers responded to an active structure fire where it was reported an individual was still inside unable to evacuate the premises on his own. The awards says their swift, selfless actions were instrumental in successfully removing the individual from the residence.
Nominees are screened by an awards committee made up of representatives from these organizations.
Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke is congratulating the officers for their dedication to duty, commitment to this community and willingness to risk their own safety for others.
