Lieutenant Laurie Gerdes of the Gillespie Police Department and Sergeant Ryan Bivins of the Dixon Police Department were honored and recognized in their 亚洲真人娱乐视讯home communities this month as 2020 ILACP Rising Shields of Law Enforcement.
“Rising Shield recipients represent the brightest young, up-and-coming law enforcement leaders in the state,” said ILACP Executive Director Ed Wojcicki. “We recognize only a small number of these every year, and these were our first honorees from Macoupin and Lee counties.”
Lt. Gerdes was honored for performing admirably in her role as a first-line supervisor. She received accolades for always being available for questions from officers whether she was on duty or off. Colleagues expressed how many times she left her 亚洲真人娱乐视讯home or personal life to respond to a scene to assist an officer on call. Gerdes leads by example and is motivated to follow the same requirements she places on others.
At the Dixon Police Department, Sgt. Bivins was honored for being an active contributor to the department and community, one who leads by example, and for putting the needs of other officers within his agency first. It was noted that when he sees a problem, he is quick to identify and evaluate solutions. He leads from a strong religious background and in early 2014 approached the department’s police chief about a chaplain’s program. He had already created a policy, procedure and background for the administration.
“Both individuals are truly deserving of this award for their major contributions to this profession,” said ILACP President Jim Black, of the Crystal Lake Police Department. “Their influence and dedication is needed now more than ever and advances a positive culture within Illinois law enforcement.”
Typically, award recipients are recognized at the ILACP Installation Banquet during the Association’s annual conference in April. Unfortunately, in early April, leaders of the association called to cancel the conference due to the ongoing pandemic.
That is why ILACP Vice President Dan Ryan went to Gillespie on November 12 to honor Lt. Gerdes, and why ILACP Vice President Dean Stiegemeier went to Dixon on November 16 to honor Sgt. Bivins.
A list of all Rising Shields of Law Enforcement honored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is listed here.