NORMAL, IL -- Maj Melanie Crays, Military Equal Opportunity officer with the 183d Wing, is also a police officer with the Normal Police Department. When not serving the state or nation through military service, she serves the community and citizens of Normal, Il.
The Normal Police Department has recognized officer Officer Crays for saving the life of a man late last year. Crays responded to the call, at a Normal area motel, December 10th, 2021, where she talked an armed man out of committing suicide. She relied on her police training, recognizing the signs of the man in distress, and spoke with him on the phone for an hour, before the incident was brought to a peaceful resolution.
Officer Crays has been awarded the department’s Award of Meritorious Service for her actions.