Mount Prospect honors the finest of its finest

Mount Prospect recently honored its police department’s finest, including its Officer of the Year.

Since 1982, the Mount Prospect Police Department has annually convened an Awards Committee, including supervisors, patrol officers and investigators, to select candidates.

The 2023 Officer of the Year is Officer Brenton Murray, a 12-year member of the force. Murray is assigned to the department’s Special Response Team.

The committee recognized Murray’s eye for detail and dedication to the community that led to arrests that removed four firearms from the hands of gang members or drug dealers.

He received six Departmental Commendations and one Honorable Mention. He was also “Officer of the Quarter” for the second and fourth quarters in 2023.

The department also recognized three runners-up.

They included Investigator Eric Knippel, a 10-year veteran of the department who is assigned to the Investigative Section.

He received three Departmental Commendations, one Honorable Mention, and three Citizen Letters of Appreciation and was one of the “Officers of the Quarter” for the fourth quarter in 2023.

Also recognized was Investigator Alexa Kiess, a 10-year veteran who is also assigned to the Investigative Section. Kiess’ honors have included being named the 2023 Women in Criminal Justice Female Officer of the year by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute.

She received one Departmental Commendation and seven Citizen Letters of Appreciation in 2023.

In addition, Officer Brett Frey, a three-year veteran who is assigned to the Patrol Section, received recognition.

He received one Departmental Commendation and four Honorable Mentions in 2023.

To be considered for the award, officers must have consistently shown exceptional performance during the preceding 12-month rating period.