Following 25 years of honorable service to the City of Champaign, Officer Michael Alvis is retiring from the Champaign Police Department. Officer Alvis was sworn in as a Champaign Police Officer on April 11, 1994 and his final day of service is today, April 18, 2019.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many exemplary law enforcement professionals to help strengthen our community,” said Alvis. “This has been a fulfilling journey, and while I’m looking forward to retirement, I am walking away proudly of the friends I made, the career I led and the community I served.”
Among his contributions to the Department, which includes training officers in Rapid Medical Response and serving as a Department Armorer, Officer Alvis has served on the following units:
- Field Training Officer, 1998 – 2005
- Special Weapons and Tactics, 2001 – 2010
- Sniper, 2007 – 2010
- Firearms Cadre and Master Firearm’s Instructor, 2005 – 2019
- Mobile Field Force, 2016-2019
Officer Alvis, a veteran of the Army National Guard, has earned a Military Service Award, three commendations, the SWAT Service Award and several recognitions for “police work in a team” resulting in arrests, convictions or covering other officers’ beats. In January 2019, he was recognized for his empathy, compassion and tactical awareness on the job.
“I want to thank Officer Alvis for his 25 years of service to the City,” said Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb. “His reliability as a patrol officer and commitment to our community has led to many accomplishments and a successful career which should be celebrated. I wish him well and am confident he will enjoy retirement with his family.”