OFFICERS FROM ACROSS ILLINOIS RECEIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT MEDAL OF HONOR
May 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2026
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, and law enforcement officials from across the state gathered today for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield to honor officers who performed acts of heroism in 2025. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee awarded 19 officers from six agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the people of Illinois.
“I am humbled to honor this year’s Law Enforcement Medal of Honor recipients — heroic police officers who went above and beyond the call of duty to protect our children, our families, and our communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These officers showed exceptional courage in the face of danger, and that courage saved lives. As we honor Illinois' bravest, our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of the fallen and injured officers who put themselves on the line to protect their fellow Illinoisans. While the depth of their sacrifice can never be repaid in full, may this recognition serve as a reminder from the People of Illinois of our endless gratitude for their service.”
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.
“The individuals we honor today have shown extraordinary bravery, discipline, and selflessness,” said ISP Director and Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee Chair Brendan F. Kelly. “May we never forget the weight of their oath, may we never take for granted the peace they protect, and may we live our lives in a way that is worthy of the sacrifice of their lives.”
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 Sr., Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg, and Central Illinois Police Training Center Director Brian Fengel.
2025 Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Recipients
Master Sergeant Billy J. Quinn, Illinois State Police
Sergeant Benjamin B. Reichard, Illinois State Police
On February 6, 2025, Illinois State Police officers located a stolen vehicle involved in an aggravated robbery at a gas station in Lexington, IL. As Sergeant Benjamin Reichard approached the vehicle, one suspect began firing at Sergeant Reichard and both he and Master Sergeant Billy Quinn returned fire. The armed suspect was struck multiple times by gunfire. Master Sergeant Quinn and Sergeant Reichard, along with other officers on scene, provided medical care and the suspect survived his injuries.
Officer Tai M. Coggins, Zion Police Department
Officer Daniel J. Jeffery, Zion Police Department
Officer Haley N. Pacholsky, Zion Police Department
On March 26, 2025, Zion Police Department officers were dispatched to a fast food restaurant for a man reported to be making suicidal threats and believed to be armed with a handgun. Officers entered the restaurant and observed the subject, who pulled out a handgun as he attempted to leave. Officers Tai Coggins and Haley Pacholsky wrestled with the subject while Officer Daniel Jeffery attempted to gain control of the handgun. The suspect finally released the handgun and he was safely taken into custody.
Officer Jorge L. Munoz, Chicago Police Department
On May 24, 2025, Chicago Police Department Officer Jorge Munoz heard multiple gunshots coming from nearby and witnessed a suspect shooting a man. The suspect began to run away still carrying the handgun. Recognizing the immediate danger to the public, Officer Munoz chased and apprehended the suspect, and recovered the firearm. The victim was taken to a hospital and survived his injuries.
Officer Oscar Asilis, Chicago Police Department
Officer Andrew R. Paulauskas, Chicago Police Department
On May 29, 2025, during a narcotics investigation, a suspect fled from Chicago Police Department officers. Officers Oscar Asilis and Andrew Paulauskas chased and apprehended the suspect, who continued to resist and pulled a firearm from his waistband, shooting Officer Paulauskas in the upper thigh. Officer Asilis fired his weapon striking the offender, who was later pronounced deceased. Assisting officers applied a tourniquet to Officer Paulauskas’ leg and transported him to a hospital.
Officer Krystal Rivera, Chicago Police Department
On June 5, 2025, Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera was shot and killed during a confrontation involving two armed subjects. Officer Rivera observed a man armed with a firearm in the Gresham neighborhood. She, along with her partner, chased the man him into an apartment building where they were confronted by a second armed subject. During the encounter, an officer discharged his weapon, fatally striking Officer Rivera. Officer Rivera was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to her injury. Both subjects were arrested and charged.
Deputy David Geesey, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Ryan D. Guenzler, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Tyler Todd, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
On June 26, 2025, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies were confronted with an extremely dangerous and rapidly evolving situation following a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Upon boxing in the suspect vehicle, deputies approached the vehicle. The suspect then drove in reverse into Deputy Tyler Todd, and then forward toward deputies Ryan Guenzler and David Geesey. Each deputy made a split-second decision to defend themselves and neutralize the threat. Deputies rendered medical aid to the suspect until additional assistance arrived.
Officer Larry Branch Jr., Chicago Police Department
On July 4, 2025, Chicago Police Department Officer Larry Branch responded to a well-being check. Upon arrival, Officer Branch spoke with a woman who said a man armed with a knife was in the basement attempting to kill her children. Despite the building being on fire, Officer Branch entered the burning building twice to search for victims. Officer Branch found a child who had been badly cut across his stomach and eyes lying unresponsive in a hallway. As the burning building began to fall around Officer Branch, he picked up and carried the child, performing CPR once outside.
Deputy Andrew P. Mariotti, Kane County Sheriff’s Office
On August 16, 2025, Kane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Mariotti responded to assist the Batavia Police Department at a scene where shots were being fired at officers. Both a Batavia Police officer and Deputy Mariotti returned fire while simultaneously working to ensure the safety of two children directly endangered by the armed and suicidal suspect. The children were safely rescued. The offender subsequently took his own life.
Officer Edwin Carrillo, Chicago Police Department
On October 1, 2025, Chicago Police Department Officer Edwin Carrillo responded to a shooting. Officer Carrillo located a man in a vacant lot suffering from a gunshot wound. Officer Carrillo approached the victim who immediately pointed toward the shooter. Officer Carrillo was able to detain the suspect and then returned to the victim and rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived.
Officer Timothy L. Bell, Chicago Police Department
Officer Juan M. Alba-Chavez, Chicago Police Department
On December 7, 2025, Chicago Police Department officers responded to a call of a disturbance and shots fired at a residence. Upon arrival, officers were informed of an active fight and one of the individuals inside may be armed with a firearm. Officers Timothy Bell and Juan Alba-Chavez entered the residence and began separating individuals when a suspect fired a gun, striking both a person in the residence and Officer Alba-Chavez. Officer Bell immediately fired back, striking the suspect. Officers rendered medical aid to the person and the offender who had been shot. Fortunately, Officer Alba-Chavez’s bulletproof vest stopped the bullet.
Officer Marco Lomibao, Glendale Heights Police Department
Officer Dennis Stachura, Glendale Heights Police Department
On December 14, 2025, Glendale Heights Police Department officers responded in 1 degree weather to reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a pond. The officers located three individuals in the water. Officer Marco Lomibao jumped into the frigid water to rescue a man who went under, while Officer Dennis Stachura went out on the cracking ice to rescue the other individuals. Officers Stachura and Lomibao immediately worked to keep the victims afloat, navigating the frigid water, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.
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