FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Five Fairview Heights police officers have been awarded the Medal of Valor for their actions during a shooting incident on May 17, 2025, that left three officers injured.
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The ceremony, hosted by Crusade Against Crime, honored the officers for their exceptional bravery in responding to a call about a suspicious person near a residence at 9:44 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Upon arrival, officers encountered Elijah Thompson, 22, of Belleville, who opened fire, striking three officers before being taken into custody without injury.
Thompson was charged with four counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest, according to the Saint Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office at that time.
Officer Molly Muennich was shot in the face and underwent emergency surgery; Officer Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm, and Officer Andrew Ward was shot in the back, but his bulletproof vest prevented serious injury. The other officers recognized were injured while subduing the suspect.
Illinois awards the Medal of Valor to public safety and military personnel who perform acts of exceptional bravery, such as saving a life at great personal risk.
