On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce celebrated its annual Community Awards Night and Auction at the Gateway Center. The night’s festivities honor those women and men who have made a difference in the community. The following were selected for the 2009 awards:

This year’s Spirit of Excellence Award honored Collinsville Police Chief Scott Williams for his dedication to his profession and community and his involvement with numerous charitable organizations and events. Among his many achievements are overseeing the rigorous accreditation process, CALEA, or Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agency that the department earned in July 2007. With the exception of the Illinois State Police, the accreditation distinguishes the Collinsville Police Department as the only law enforcement agency in southwestern Illinois to earn CALEA.

  In addition to dedication to his career, this year’s recipient is a tireless advocate for charitable causes and a champion for those in need. For the past several years, he has volunteered and helped raise needed funding for Special Olympics and stepped up to the challenge of organizing the city of Collinsville’s inaugural Relay for Life this year. In the first year, the Collinsville Relay for Life raised more than $35,000 ($3,000 was raised by the CPD team) for the fight against cancer.

He is a member of the Sons of the American Legion where he volunteers for events such as the Friday Fish Fry and also helps with the Collinsville Kiwanis coat collection project.

When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and coastal areas, he helped organize 2 Cities Task Force that raised around $10,000 in aid and provided needed supplies to the community of Long Beach and Pascagoula.  He personally led several trips to Mississippi with relief supplies and assistance.

2009 Teachers of the Year

The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce bestowed this year’s Teacher of the year Award to co-recipients Patricia Szpiila and Linda Gloria who joined forces to initiate the Freshman Focus program that was officially launched this year at Collinsville High School. What sets this program apart is the proliferation of student leaders – juniors and seniors – who have stepped up to become peer teachers of the modules and the numerous teachers who have volunteered to be teacher facilitators. 

2009 Firefighter of the Year Award

The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Captain Doug Deadmond as the 2009 Firefighter of the Year. Deadmond has served with the Collinsville Fire Department since April 20, 1998 as Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant and currently as Captain. He is shift commander of A-shift, working out of Station 1. Deadmond was honored for leadership in the department. His work ethic and positive attitude focuses on getting the job done quickly and effectively. He serves as an example to all his fellow firefighters in his dedication to the department and the community.

2009 Police Officer of the Year

It is with great pleasure that the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce announces Officer Doug Talbot as the 2009 Collinsville Police Officer of the Year. The Collinsville Police Department hired Talbot in August 2006. Even without previous law enforcement experience, he distinguished himself in three short years as a proactive and reliable patrol officer. He has also proved himself to be a hard-working and effective field training officer, helping shape the career of several new officers on the police department.