Illinois State University Police Department Awarded for Honoring Fallen Officers

Illinois State University Police Department has received an award for its commitment to honoring fallen officers.  Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors (IL C.O.P.S.) presented the department with the 2009 Eternal Flame Award for support of the IL C.O.P.S. Cycle Across Illinois fundraising event. The nomination cited the department for assisting riders and support staff passing through Bloomington-Normal with lodging, meals and transportation.

"It is difficult to find adequate words to express our deep and abiding appreciation to our law enforcement colleagues who have dedicated themselves to C.O.P.S. and keeping the memory of our fallen comrades alive," said Illinois State University Police Chief Ronald Swan. "Their commitment and dedication sets an example for all to follow.We are deeply honored having been selected to receive the 2009 Eternal Flame Award of Concerns of Police Survivors Illinois Chapter."

Illinois State University Police became involved with Cycle Across Illinois in 2006, when riders passed through in order to honor Illinois State University Detective Inspector Anthony "Tony" Hosey who died in the line of duty in April 2005. The department is currently in the process of requesting that the University formally dedicate its conference room as the "Detective Inspector Anthony "Tony" Hosey Conference Room."

Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as determined by Federal criteria. Furthermore, C.O.P.S. provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors.