Award given to acknowledge reductions in gun violence and homicides
January 15, 2026 (PEORIA, IL) On Friday, January 9, 2026, Mayor Rita Ali presented the Mayor’s Leadership Award to Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria in recognition of his exemplary police and community leadership in reducing gun violence and homicides across the City of Peoria.
Under Chief Echevarria, Peoria has seen significant and sustained reductions in violent crime. Between 2021 and 2025, the city experienced a 61-percent reduction in gunfire-related homicides and a 45-percent reduction in total homicides. In 2025, every homicide was cleared, resulting in a 100-percent clearance rate, and the city recorded the lowest number of gunfire-related deaths since 2016. Overall, 2025 marked Peoria’s lowest homicide rate since 2017, as well as the fewest gunfire incidents and gunshot victims since 2015.
“Chief Echevarria’s leadership has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the safety of our community,” said Mayor Ali. “This award recognizes not only the measurable progress our city has achieved, but the collaborative approach that has helped build trust and deliver results.”
The Mayor’s Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership has had a significant and positive impact on the City of Peoria. Chief Echevarria was honored for his commitment to accountability, collaboration, and community-focused policing.
For more information on the Peoria Police Department’s year-to-date statistics, visit the Peoria Police Department webpage.