U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced the recipients of the 2024 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The awards recognized law enforcement personnel for their 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 chosen 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," said U.S. Marshal David Davis.
Agent Bamvakais was acknowledged for his leadership in financial investigations and contributions to organized crime drug enforcement task force caseloads. Retired Agent Roessler was recognized for his skill in developing confidential informants.
DEA Task Force Officer Birckhead received recognition for his diligent work on fatal drug overdose investigations throughout Metro East, including a case that led to Tessa Webber's sentencing to 15 years’ imprisonment for selling fentanyl.
"Agent Birckhead is one of the best of the best," commented Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson.
ATF Agent Clauer was commended for his work on arson cases and trial testimonies while Agent Green focused on educating law enforcement about ghost guns' prevalence in southern Illinois.
"Every day our Special Agents work to make our communities safer," noted ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shannon Hamm.
FBI Agent Hart and HSI Task Force Officer Wallace were honored for their efforts in child exploitation investigations.
Illinois State Police Sergeant Heard received accolades for investigating human trafficking cases and training over 2,000 officers on identifying trafficking indicators during traffic stops.
Retired Veterans Affairs Inspector General Agent Vasil led financial investigations into disability and PPP loan fraud cases charged over the past year.
