For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 February 2024
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids
Peoria, IL — Following what it referred to as, "Swift, Collaborative, Textbook Police work," The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a national school safety and advocacy nonprofit, formed following the Uvalde, Texas school shooting at Robb Elementary School; announced in an early Tuesday morning release, that it will be presenting national commendations to the Peoria, Illinois Police Department for their efforts in thwarting a potential school shooting this week.
Peoria Police detectives had received a tip from another county about the attempt by a 16-year-old and two other teenagers, who were allegedly planning the shooting through the chat messaging program "Discord."
The national foundation, dedicated to preventing events such as the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas; will present the department commendation for exceptional dedication to duty through its national Heroism award, named after Virginia teacher, Abby Zwerner, shot by a student at Richneck Elementary School last year.
The discussions by the students, allegedly involved stockpiling of weapons & a 29-page journal recovered by police; reportedly featured drawings, building layouts, and research into potential charges and the juvenile court system.
Uvalde Foundation For Kids founder, Daniel Chapin noted in Thursday's release: "Without hesitation the Peoria Police Department honored the role of their badge & illustrated the dedication in their hearts this week to protecting their students & school communities. An organized collective effort with clear communication & swift, coordinated response amongst Peoria local & county law enforcement partners, ultimately resulted in potentially numerous student lives being saved."
Central Illinois Proud
The foundation also stated in the release that the Peoria Police Department joins other national award recipients, such as Abby Zwerner of Richneck Elementary School in Virginia, several officers who responded to the Covenant School shooting in Tennessee & most recently the Pittsburgh Police Department In Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Police Recognized By National Nonprofit:
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/video/pittsburgh-bureau-of-police-recognized-by-uvalde-foundation-for-kids-for-thwarting-potential-attack/
Teacher Shot By Student Reacts To Grant:
Covenant School Officers To Be Honored:
Foundation officials noted in the release that they have notified the department of the recognition & plans to present the commendations cited at a date TBD.
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids
877 780 8527
