EVANSTON — Evanston police officer Jake Williams was recently recognized as Officer of the Year by American Legion Post 41. 

Williams, who’s been with Evanston Police Department since April 2014, has “aggressively pursued many roles and has displayed a large degree of ambition in becoming a detective,” according to a nomination letter signed by Chief of Police Jon Kirby and Lts. Mike Vranish, Ken Pearson and Rhett Groll.

“It is this ambition that has made him go above and beyond on clearing many cases,” the nomination letter states, “involving thefts, burglaries, drug cases and, most recently, two homicide cases.”

Those two cases are the murders of Christina Caves and Dean Corlett, who were found dead in their homes about two weeks apart in September 2016. 

“Officer Williams took a very active role in wanting to be part of the investigation to solve these cases,” the letter continues. “Through his skill in handling prior cases and knowledge of current cases, the Chief of Police along with the entire police department recognized Officer Williams as an asset to investigations.”

Williams was transferred to the investigations division of EPD on a temporary basis, where he contributed significantly to the two murder cases. 

At the same time, Williams took on several active cases that included property recovery and suspect identification that led to prosecution. The letter states that because Williams was able to take on more investigations, other investigators were afforded the time to focus all of their attention on the two homicides.

“I would not say that without the assistance of Officer Williams these cases never would have been solved,” the letter states. “However, I can say without Officer Williams working countless extra hours with eagerness to serve, these cases would have taken longer to solve. This would have been more taxing on the resources of the community and agency. Officer Williams represents the Evanston Police Department in such a positive way, showing the true spirit of his chosen profession.”

Evanston Mayor Kent Williams presented Williams with the award on Nov. 16.

Each year the legion recognizes one city officer and a county deputy. Brooke Hale of the Uinta County Sheriff’s Office was honored earlier this year.