Springfield, IL – Yesterday, 136 law enforcement officers from 41 Illinois agencies were honored in Springfield by Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly for acts of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice at the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony. McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was proud to have two Medal of Honor recipients, Sgt. Daniel Kramer and Deputy Jacob “Jake” Keltner.
The Medal of Honor is awarded to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty or who have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing their duties as a law enforcement officer.
Sgt. Daniel Kramer received a medal in recognition of the bravery and heroism he displayed on June 16, 2020 while executing a homicide arrest warrant in Beach Park with the U.S. Marshals Service. Lake County Deputy Thomas Sieber was also recognized for his efforts that day, in conjunction with Sgt. Kramer.
Deputy Jake Keltner was honored for the ultimate sacrifice he made on March 7, 2019. Deputy Keltner was fatally shot in the line of duty while executing a search warrant. Sgt. Kramer accepted the award on behalf of Deputy Keltner and the Keltner family.
“The special souls we pay tribute to met the common daily challenge of enforcing our laws with uncommon bravery,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee and the Illinois State Police honor these heroes, some who paid the ultimate price, in the pursuit of justice and the protection of public safety.”
“When we have men and women who go above and beyond their call of duty, and show this sort of bravery and courage, it exemplifies what ‘hero’ really means,” said Robb Tadelman. “We are very proud of Sgt. Kramer and Deputy Keltner, whom we miss terribly.”
This ceremony was the first held since 2016 and honored recipients from 2017 – 2022.