Local police officers, paramedics and rescue crew members were recognized during a Crete City Council meeting on March 18, in recognition of their bravery and selflessness during a June 2024 active shooter incident.
Every member of the Crete Police Department responded during a shooting that erupted on June 28, 2024, at a local residence. Gunshots were still echoing as officers arrived on scene to a call that left seven injured and the suspect deceased.
From the Crete Police Department, Gary Young, Chad Menagh, Matt Jonas, Drew Smith, Jon Pucket, Dawn Jonas, Jeff Kramer, Audrey Aurbuckle, Lincoln Morehouse, Melanie Martinez Sawtelle, Will De Hart, Noah Zach, Alex Sawtelle and Jaden Acevedo responded. Each was recognized for their work that day.
Preston Zvolanek of Crete Fire and Rescue and paramedic Jason Dillon were also recognized with certificates of appreciation.
Six members of the Crete Police Department were awarded the department’s highest honor.
Each of the six honorees was praised for their “dedication, alertness and selflessness” in the face of imminent danger. The department cited their actions as directly responsible for the successful evacuation and treatment of multiple shooting victims.
“This was a defining moment for our department,” Chief Young said at the ceremony. “Our officers acted without hesitation, placing themselves in harm’s way to save others. They exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement.”
Capt. Jon Pucket
Off-duty at the time, Pucket was returning from out of town when he heard the incident unfold on his department radio. Without hesitation, he responded in bib overalls. Through direct coordination with Southeast Communications, he helped identify the shooter’s location, enabling officers to focus their efforts on protecting victims.
Despite lacking body armor, Pucket assisted the Crete Volunteer Fire Department in evacuating the wounded. His actions were cited as instrumental in saving lives amid the chaos.
Lt. Dawn Jonas
Dawn Jonas, responding with other officers, entered the victim’s residence after confirming wounded individuals were inside. She locked the front door to prevent additional threats, physically restrained an 18-year-old from confronting the shooter and helped triage six victims.
Dawn Jonas carried a three-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to his head to safety, handed him off to Capt. Pucket, and provided cover for other victims evacuating over a backyard fence. She continued assisting rescue personnel to extract the remaining wounded.
Sgt. Matt Jonas
Matt Jonas, along with Officer Jeff Kramer, initially took position between the suspect’s and victim’s homes, exposing themselves to gunfire. Once evacuation efforts began, he joined Dawn Jonas in triaging and guiding victims over a fence to safety. He also helped establish a “warm zone” for rescue crews and assisted in moving non-ambulatory victims.
Officer Jeff Kramer
Officer Kramer held a critical position behind a parked vehicle near the suspect’s home, providing cover for several minutes before other deputies arrived. His presence ensured the suspect could not advance, allowing other officers to evacuate the wounded. Kramer remained prepared to engage the shooter if necessary.
Officer
Audrey Arbuckle
Off-duty at the time of the shooting, Officer Audrey Arbuckle retrieved her ballistic vest and firearm and rushed to the scene. She coordinated with Officer Kramer and helped evacuate victims from behind the residence. In one instance, she used her own body as cover while helping carry an injured adult woman over a fence to waiting medical personnel.
Chief Gary Young
Crete Police Chief Gary Young also responded off-duty, calling himself into service. Upon arrival, he assisted with evacuating wounded residents, at one point using his body to shield a victim as they were moved to safety. Following the evacuation, Young helped establish a command post and coordinated the multi-agency response.
