NW Illinois News

The Freeport City Council paid tribute to members of the city's police department in recognition for their efforts and dedication to the aid of missing children during the council's meeting on March 20.

Police Chief Matt Summers spoke before the board, opening his presentation by reading a letter sent to the department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which was in recognition of Lt. Chris Shenberger and the rest of the department for their effort and dedication to the case of a missing child in July 2022, when a man reported his child missing. The Freeport Police Department conducted a nationwide search in coordination with the Center and the U.S. Marshal's Service. Those efforts led to the recovery of the child in California in January. The letter specifically thanked Shenberger for his professional and careful pursuit, leading to the child's safe return home.

"We applaud him for his exemplary work, compassion and devotion to protecting victimized children and for helping their families," Summers said, presenting Shenberger with an award for his effort.

Summers also announced the promotion of Sgt. Robin Stovall to Lieutenant. Summers explained that he could only make recommendations for promotions, and that the decision ultimately comes down to the city's police and fire commission. However, he said he was thrilled to announce the promotion of Stovall, who has been with the department since 1997.

Stovall has served in many areas of the department in her 26 years, working as a patrol officer, K9 handler, served on the state narcotics team, investigator, juvenile detective, general cases as detective, supervisor of the gang unit and she also helped create the department's Special Victims unit. Stovall served as sergeant in charge of the investigations unit before her promotion. She was joined by her family to be sworn in as lieutenant, and Summers told the board how special the moment was for him to promote his long-time colleague.

"I look around the room and see the people that are wearing the uniforms in here. The family that’s here, and they all know how deserving she is because of the sacrifices that she's made," Summers said.