Four Monee Police Department officers received recognition for exceptional service during the June 25 Village Board meeting, highlighting the department’s commitment to community safety and professionalism.

Detective Ryan Boren received the first-ever Monee Police meritorious service award for his outstanding investigative work. Since joining the investigations unit in September 2023, Boren has conducted over 40 employment background investigations, opened 167 cases in 2024, served 21 search warrants and 15 arrest warrants, and pursued three pending homicide cases.

“Ryan’s dedication is not only his greatest strength but also his weakness – supervisors have to force him out of the building and assign him time off as he won’t quit until the bad guys are all locked up,” the citation read.

Officer Ramon McCalpine was recognized for his exceptional work as school resource officer at Monee Elementary. McCalpine, a 20-year veteran, received multiple compliments from school officials for his professionalism and dedication to students.

McCalpine went above and beyond by volunteering to purchase bicycles for students with the best attendance records, eventually expanding the program with contributions from fellow officers to reward both male and female students. The bikes went to a first-grade boy and third-grade girl, both Monee residents.

Officers Steven Crescenti and Kevin Avers received department commendations for their handling of a dangerous situation on December 8, 2024. During a traffic stop that escalated when a passenger fled and pulled a stolen gun, pointing it at his own head, both officers showed remarkable restraint and tactical skill.

“This incident could have very easily evolved into an officer-involved shooting,” officials noted. “Officers Crescenti and Avers had every legal right to shoot but trusted their instincts, created space and positioning while overwhelming the suspect with direct instruction.”

The suspect was safely taken into custody, and the stolen weapon was recovered. The incident demonstrated the department’s training effectiveness and commitment to preserving life while maintaining public safety.