Two Macomb Police officers, Nick Severs and J.P. McLaughlin, were presented with Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Valor Awards after they were wounded in the line of duty during a recent shooting and standoff incident in Macomb.
“These officers always knew that the day might come when they would have to put their lives on the line, but they didn’t hesitate to face danger as they tried to keep Macomb residents safe,” said Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood, who presented the awards on November 9. “Thankfully Officers Severs and McLaughlin will recover from their injuries and the suspect was arrested. They are shining examples of the police motto, ‘to protect and serve.’”
District 94 Illinois State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) also helped to present the awards.
“Officers Severs and McLaughlin are heroes who courageously took action to protect and serve our community,” said Rep. Hammond. “I was honored to help present them with the FOP’s Valor Awards for their exemplary service in the line of duty and I am grateful for all that our law enforcement officers do to protect public safety. We must always Back the Blue and recognize our officers’ bravery in service to our families.”
On September 4, 2024 Officers Severs and McClaughlin were attempting to execute a search warrant at a Macomb residence. After knocking and announcing their presence several times, the officers forced entry into the residence and were immediately shot at by the offender inside the residence. Both Officer Severs and McClaughlin were wounded and transported from the scene. After several hours of a standoff, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers – more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.