The Evanston Police Department presented certificates, honorable mentions, police commendations and unit citations to officers, detectives, telecommunicators and civilian staff for lifesaving actions and several complex investigations conducted in 2024.

Commander Ken Carter opened the ceremony saying, "This evening is not just about recognition," and framed the event as a series of stories showing personnel who went "above and beyond" routine duties. Awarded incidents highlighted in presenters' remarks included a Dawes Park stabbing response on June 14, 2024, that involved on-scene emergency medical aid to stabilize a victim; a Dempster shooting on Aug. 5, 2024, that led to felony charges after investigators linked weapons and DNA evidence; and an Aug. 29, 2024, concealment-of-death investigation that resulted in indictments after detectives secured witness testimony and search-warrant evidence.

Presenters also recognized narcotics and public-safety enforcement: a special operations unit received a unit citation for narcotics investigations in the Main Street Quarter that included controlled purchases and recovered narcotics and firearms, and the criminal investigations division received a unit citation for a string of cases this past summer that the presenters described as "high profile investigations" requiring extensive, time-sensitive work. Telecommunicators were honored for assisting the Chicago Police Department on Sept. 5, 2024, by reviewing camera footage and relaying information that contributed to the apprehension of a homicide suspect.

Speakers repeatedly credited teamwork across patrol, investigations, intelligence, and support units. Deputy Chief Jody Wright and Deputy Chief Dan Russell presented unit citations and singled out support teams — including the police service desk and detention desk — for sustained, behind-the-scenes work under staffing pressure. The police service desk received a unit citation for a year-long display of coverage and shift support while staffing levels dropped to roughly half, presenters said.

Several individual lifesaving actions were singled out: officers who applied tourniquets and activated tactical emergency medical protocols, telecommunicators who coordinated multi-agency responses, and desk officers who maintained critical contacts and search information that led to safe resolutions. Where presenters cited prosecutorial outcomes, they said the Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved felony charges in particular cases following detective investigations.

The ceremony emphasized recognition rather than policy change; presenters encouraged photos and community engagement after the event. The department did not present new enforcement policies or budget requests during the awards portion of the ceremony.