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Five Police Officers Receive Medal of Honor in Springfield 

From L-R Officers Nawotka, McCray, Witt, Conley, and Marx

EVANSTON, IL - On May 31, 2023, five police officers, four Evanston and one Saint Charles (previously an Evanston police officer), received the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in a ceremony held in Springfield.

The following are summaries of the officers' actions that resulted in their awards:

Officer Brandon Marx - 2020 Award Recipient 

On September 1, 2020, Officer Brandon Marx responded to a call regarding an attempted suicide by drowning. The subject, who could not swim, had jumped off a railroad bridge into the canal. Without hesitation, Officer Marx jumped into the water and was able to perform a rescue drag, bringing the subject safely back to shore. The subject and Officer Marx were transported to a local hospital for additional care. Officer Marx acted heroically, putting himself in peril, and saved the life a suicidal subject. 

Officers Justin Conley, Adam Nawotka and Karl Witt (now with Saint Charles PD) - 2021 Award Recipients

On January 9, 2021, there was an active shooter in the area of Howard and Asbury, which placed the public in immediate danger. Officers Conley, Nawotka, and Witt responded to the rapidly evolving incident. The initial call was of shots fired inside the CVS Pharmacy at 101 Asbury. During the police response, the offender fired more rounds inside the CVS before running across the street to the IHOP where he shot one person, who later died, and took a female hostage. Employees from the IHOP pointed out the offender to responding officers. The offender abandoned the hostage and a foot chase ensued. While fleeing, the offender fired his handgun at pursuing officers. The officers returned fire to end the deadly threat. It was later learned that the offender had shot seven people that day, killing five of them. Officers Conley, Nawotka and Witt displayed immense bravery, courage, and determination as they ended the offender's rampage. Their willingness to place their lives in harm’s way saved the lives of others. 

Officer Corey McCray - 2021 Award Recipient

On January 9, 2021, there was an active shooter in the area of Howard and Asbury, which placed the public in immediate danger. Officer McCray responded to the rapidly evolving incident. The initial call was of shots fired inside the CVS Pharmacy at 101 Asbury. During the police response, the offender fired more rounds inside the CVS before running across the street to the IHOP where he shot one person, who later died, and took a female hostage. Employees from the IHOP pointed out the offender to responding officers. A foot chase ensued as Officer McCray remained with the shooting victim inside the IHOP performing lifesaving measures. Pursuing officers ended the threat while Officer McCray remained focused on the victim despite the gunfire outside, remaining calm and compassionate. Officer McCray’s valiant attempt to save the victim's life, ensuring that she was transported to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible, demonstrates his commitment to serve with empathy and compassion.

The Evanston Police Department is proud of these officers' bravery, as well as the commitment all of the department's officers demonstrate each and every day in making Evanston a safe and livable city.

-END-

Media Relations: Commander Ryan Glew
rglew@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5026