The McDonough County Community Quality of Life Committee celebrated the dedication of its first responders Tuesday, September 9, at Western Illinois University’s Lamoine Room. The annual Community Quality of Life Award Ceremony recognized outstanding service by local police, fire, and emergency personnel, and paid a special posthumous tribute to Billy Clow, who received the prestigious Clyde Cronkhite Award.
Sergeant Troy Shoudel of the Macomb Police Department was honored for his leadership in fundraising for Special Olympics. He coordinates the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #189’s Cop on the Rooftop event at Dunkin Donuts and participates as “Sergeant Splash” in the Polar Plunge. Shoudel is also a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Fellow officers describe him as a mentor and a fair, capable leader whose skills and personality have enriched McDonough County’s quality of life.
Illinois State Police Trooper Michael Mueller was recognized for his passionate support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Cop on the Rooftop events. He played a key role in establishing the Macomb Police Explorers program, which introduces local students to law enforcement careers. Mueller also participates annually in Shop with a Cop, demonstrating tireless volunteerism and community commitment.
Michael Phelps of the Colchester Volunteer Fire Department has served as a volunteer for about 10 years and teaches EMR, EMT, and CPR classes. A full-time paramedic with Lifeguard Ambulance Service for 12 years and an EMT for 22 years, Phelps has trained dozens of responders, helping ensure the community maintains qualified emergency personnel.
Blake Bainter of the Macomb Fire Department, a Macomb High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran, has served for over a decade. He dedicates countless hours coaching youth sports and volunteering at community events like Sleep in Heavenly Peace, where he once assisted a person having a seizure. His dedication and volunteer efforts have strengthened McDonough County’s Quality of Life.
Macomb Fire Chief Dan Meyer was honored for his leadership through challenging times, always with a positive attitude. He actively participates in community events such as 9-11 First Responder Day, Touch a Truck, and Flags of Love. As a Rotarian, Meyer supports Big Brothers Big Sisters plant sale, the Maple Syrup Festival, highway cleanups, and tree planting at Spring Lake. He has gone so far as to volunteer as an elf on the Santa Zephyr.
Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer was recognized for his leadership amid the challenges of modern policing. A Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, Hamer supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, serves on the WIU Anti-Racism Task Force, and volunteers with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, Shop with a Cop, the Scott Jennings Fishing Tournament, National Night Out, and the Blue Line Ball. He and his wife have hosted two Denmark exchange students and a Rotary exchange student. His extensive volunteerism has made a significant impact on community safety and quality of life.
The ceremony’s most poignant moment was the posthumous awarding of the Clyde Cronkhite Award to Billy Clow. His wife, Tammy Killian, accepted the honor on his behalf.
Clow was in his 13th year as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and a professor of theatre at WIU. He was the visionary behind the redesign, construction, and funding of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. As he once said, “The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts is more than just a building; it is our art, it is our learning, and it is our soul.”
In addition to his academic leadership, Clow served twice as WIU’s interim provost and academic vice president. He was a published scholar and recipient of multiple theatrical honors, including awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Over 25 years, he designed more than 500 productions and co-founded the Rocky on Parade and Macomb Mural projects, bringing vibrant public art to the community.
Above all, Clow was a lifelong champion of students and the arts, deeply committed to family, creativity, and community.
