The University of Illinois Springfield Police Department recognized officers and a telecommunicator for acts of courage, compassion and dedication during an inaugural awards ceremony on July 14 at the UIS Lake Springfield Field Station.

The ceremony honored seven officers and one telecommunicator, presenting five Life-Saving Awards and three Meritorious Conduct Awards for actions that protected lives both on and off campus.

“These awards recognize the extraordinary commitment our personnel demonstrate every day,” said UIS Police Chief Ross Owens. “Whether responding to an emergency on campus, assisting another law enforcement agency, helping someone in crisis or serving behind the scenes in our telecommunications center, these individuals exemplify the professionalism, courage and compassion that define the UIS Police Department.”

Officer Alex Barnes received a Life-Saving Award for his actions in 2023 after hearing gunshots while on patrol. Barnes responded to the sound of the gunfire and located an injured Illinois State Police trooper at an off-campus location. After securing the scene, he applied a tourniquet to the trooper’s gunshot wound, stopping severe blood loss and helping save the trooper’s life.

Barnes also received a second Life-Saving Award for his response to a drowning incident in 2022. After hearing a report of a person in the water near Beach House Circle on Lake Springfield, Barnes responded immediately and entered the water alongside an American Ambulance paramedic. Together, they rescued an unconscious person from the lake, allowing emergency medical care to begin.

Officer Jason Schroeder received a Life-Saving Award for his actions during a fire at Founders Residence Hall in 2021. While responding to a fire alarm, Schroeder discovered smoke coming from a bathroom and found the room fully engulfed in flames. He immediately used a fire extinguisher to knock down the fire before it could spread, likely preventing significant damage to the residence hall and protecting students inside. Schroeder suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene.

Officer Cory Hewitt received a Life-Saving Award for his response to a mental health crisis involving a UIS student in 2021. After receiving a report that the student was armed with a knife and threatening self-harm, Hewitt made an emergency entry into the student’s apartment. Through calm conversation and empathy, he convinced the student to put down the knife and helped connect the individual with the care and support needed.

Sgt. Robert Smith received a Life-Saving Award for his actions while off duty in 2022. While dining with his family at a local café, Smith responded when a man began choking, lost consciousness and collapsed. Smith performed the Heimlich maneuver, clearing the man's airway and restoring his breathing.

Officers Adam Rade and Josh DeHeve received a Meritorious Conduct Award for their actions in 2022 after responding to a report of a vehicle submerged in an off-campus pond with a person trapped inside. Working together, they used investigative skills to locate the hidden crash site after the caller was unable to provide a location. Without hesitation, both officers entered the water and worked to free the trapped motorist. They were recognized for their determination, courage and selfless response in an effort to save the victim.

Telecommunicator Kyle Freligh received the Meritorious Conduct Award for his exceptional dedication to the department's communications center. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages and numerous schedule vacancies, Freligh consistently worked additional shifts to ensure emergency communications remained fully staffed and campus public safety operations continued without interruption.

Sgt. Destiny Skaggs and Officer Schroeder were also recognized for their efforts in assisting the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The awards ceremony recognized members of the UIS Police Department whose actions went above and beyond the call of duty in service to the university community and the public.