Champaign Police Lieutenant Kaitlin Fisher and METCAD System Administrator Brad Hardcastle were recognized on April 16 with Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois Awards, which honor individuals ages 18 to 40 for professional excellence and community service.
The awards highlight the importance of public service and leadership among young professionals in Illinois. Both Fisher and Hardcastle were selected for their dedication to their professions as well as their commitment to helping others in their communities.
Fisher received recognition in the category of Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment. She serves as a Lieutenant with the Champaign Police Department and is the Southwest District Commander. In addition to her police work, Fisher co-coordinates Camp Fury, a Girl Scouts of Central Illinois program that gives young women hands-on experience in fire and police services. The program aims to build confidence among participants and encourage them to consider careers in public safety.
Hardcastle was honored for Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership. He works as a System Administrator at METCAD 9-1-1, Champaign County’s consolidated dispatch center, while also serving as City Clerk for Hoopeston. Beyond his official duties, Hardcastle volunteers as an Auxiliary Officer with the Hoopeston Police Department, participates actively in the Hoopeston Emergency Management Agency, and has held several leadership roles with the Hoopeston Jaycees organization.
Both recipients demonstrate how public employees can make positive impacts both on duty and through volunteer efforts.
