Conservation district police sergeant honored

McHenry County Conservation District Police Sergeant Ryan Stewart was honored by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police by being named a “Rising Shield of Law Enforcement.”

This honor is given to sworn officers, under the age of 45, who are strong leaders and “who have strong personal beliefs about the value of law enforcement.”

Stewart started with the McHenry County Conservation District as an assistant ranger, trained to became a police officer and was promoted to sergeant in 2013. Over the past five years, Stewart spearheaded and developed a peer mentoring program and strives to engage with fellow officers, visitors and members of the public whom he serves. He also helped to implement safety initiatives for the district’s recreational hunting program.

He is honored for his leadership roles inside the department and working with the community.

In addition to Stewart, two other officers were set to be honored at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police annual awards banquet April 26, in Oak Brook. They were Sgt. Robert Broussard from the Buffalo Grove Police Department and officer Nicholas Haff of the Winnebago Police Department.