U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe has announced the recipients of the 2024 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards, recognizing law enforcement personnel for their significant contributions to successful prosecutions in the Southern District of Illinois.
"In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 248 criminal cases, which is nearly a 23% increase from 2023. We couldn’t prosecute cases without successful investigations, and we were proud to recognize this group of our trusted law enforcement partners with awards for their public service," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
The awardees include IRS Agents Jason Bamvakais and Bradley Roessler, DEA Task Force Officer Timothy Birckhead, ATF Agents Duane Clauer and Zachary Green, FBI Agent Raymond Hart, HSI Task Force Officer Robert Wallace, Illinois State Police Sergeant Zachary Heard, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Agent Raymond Vasil, and U.S. Marshals Service Deputy William Clay Weier.
The USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force was recognized as the group awardee.
"We are elated and grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office for recognizing the outstanding work of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Southern District of Illinois, and Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Clay Weier with the 2024 Law Enforcement Public Service Award. SDUSM Weier has been an outstanding leader directing the daily activities of the task force. Their recent performance during Operation North Star, a national USMS fugitive operation, reinforced my belief that they are the best task force in the county," said U.S. Marshal David Davis.
Agent Bamvakais was acknowledged for his leadership in financial investigations and contributions to organized crime drug enforcement cases. Retired Agent Roessler was recognized for his skill in developing confidential informants.
Agent Birckhead's diligent work on fatal drug overdose investigations led to notable prosecutions such as Tessa Webber's case resulting in a 15-year imprisonment sentence for selling a fatal dose of fentanyl.
"Agent Birckhead is one of the best of the best. He continually investigates with tenacity and perseverance leaving no stone unturned. He also works with a zest for our victims and emulates every police officer’s sworn oath," stated Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson.
Agent Clauer received accolades for his work on arson cases while Agent Green was highlighted for educating southern Illinois law enforcement on ghost guns' prevalence.
"Every day our Special Agents work to make our communities safer, uphold the law, and protect civil rights, and we are happy that two of our Special Agents are being recognized for their outstanding work," commented ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shannon Hamm.
Agent Hart and Officer Wallace were praised for their efforts in child exploitation investigations.
Sergeant Heard was honored for his role in human trafficking investigations and training over 2,000 officers on trafficking indications during traffic stops.
Retired Agent Vasil led financial investigations into disability and PPP loan fraud over four charged cases last year.