Officer Chris Beaupre of the Galesburg (IL) Police Department, Lt. Gregory Behning of the Davenport (IA) Police Department and Firefighter Michael Collins of the Muscatine (IA) Fire Department received Certificates of Appreciation at the 2021 First Responders Appreciation and Criminal Justice Career Day. Not pictured is First Responders Hero Award recipient Officer Andrew Lawler of the Rock Island (IL) Police Department.
Black Hawk College recently honored four first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.
Community members were invited to nominate first responders who have touched others’ lives and helped the community.
The college received 74 award nominations and selected four recipients. Read the nominations for the four award winners in this PDF.
The recipients are:
2021 First Responders Hero Award
- Officer Andrew Lawler, Rock Island (IL) Police Department
Certificates of Appreciation
- Officer Chris Beaupre, Galesburg (IL) Police Department
- Firefighter Michael Collins, Muscatine (IA) Fire Department
- Lt. Gregory Behning, Davenport (IA) Police Department
The awards were presented as part of First Responders Appreciation and Criminal Justice Career Day at Black Hawk College, an event coordinated by Dr. Seref Onder, director of the BHC Criminal Justice Program.
The event celebrated area first responders and featured a panel discussion with first responders from a variety of professions. High school and college students learned about career opportunities and job requirements from emergency dispatch, emergency management, emergency medical services, emergency room, fire and police professionals.
This was the second year for the event and awards. The 2020 First Responders Hero Award was presented to Officer Patrick Mesick of the Bettendorf (IA) Police Department. Certificates of Appreciation in 2020 were awarded to Officer Jeff Leonhardt of the Moline (IL) Police Department and Officer Ryan Leabo of the Davenport (IA) Police Department.