Moline Police Department

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Tyler McLaughlin on receiving the Moline Police Department's Letter of Commendation for his actions while off duty in Silvis on April 13th, 2026.

Chief Gault wrote:

Dear Sergeant McLaughlin,

Please accept this letter as formal recognition of your exemplary performance while off-duty on April 13, 2026. While on your personal time at ORA Orthopedics in Silvis, Illinois, you encountered a critical and rapidly evolving situation involving a male subject who had stabbed a patient inside the medical facility.

As detailed in correspondence received from the Silvis Police Department, your immediate recognition of the threat and decisive intervention were instrumental in bringing the situation under control. Your actions in detaining the suspect prior to the arrival of on-duty officers demonstrated exceptional situational awareness, courage, and commitment to public safety.

Your swift response and professionalism helped resolve a highly volatile and dangerous incident. By taking decisive action, you prevented further injury to the victim and others present, and ensured the safe apprehension of the suspect. Your willingness to act while off duty reflects the highest standards of law enforcement service and dedication.

On behalf of the Moline Police Department and the City of Moline, I am honored to present you with this Letter of Commendation. Your conduct brings great credit to yourself and serves as a strong reflection of the values and professionalism of this department.

Thank you for your outstanding service and for a job well done.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Yeater on receiving TWO Moline Police Department Life Saving Awards this evening at Moline City Council.

Chief Gault wrote:

Life Saving Incident #1

Dear Officer Yeater:

On February 18, 2026, you responded to a medical assist involving a juvenile experiencing a seizure and an adult female experiencing chest heaviness. Upon entering the residence, you recognized signs of a serious carbon monoxide emergency, including the odor of exhaust fumes and the rapidly deteriorating conditions affecting all three occupants inside the home.

Without hesitation, you helped evacuate a weakened adult female, alerted another occupant to the danger, and directed him to leave the residence, and then re-entered the dangerous environment with a paramedic to locate and remove an unconscious juvenile from a bathroom. Your quick assessment and decisive actions ensured that all three occupants were removed from the home.

Fire personnel later determined that carbon monoxide levels inside the residence exceeded 800 PPM, creating a lethal environment. Despite the significant risk to your own safety, your actions directly prevented a potential tragedy and resulted in saving a human life.

I am proud to formally present you with the Moline Police Department Life Saving Award in recognition of your courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Congratulations on a job well done. Your actions are a credit to this police department and to the City of Moline.

Life Saving incident #2

Dear Officer Yeater:
On April 3, 2026, at approximately 2338 hours, you responded to the area of 15th Street and 13th Avenue for a report of a male in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, you located an individual inside a black Ford Escape and quickly determined that he was unresponsive and without a pulse.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, you immediately removed the individual from the vehicle, placed him safely on the roadway, and began CPR. You continued life-saving measures until Moline Fire Department and EMS personnel arrived, then provided a seamless transition of care so advanced medical treatment could begin.

During the medical intervention, EMS personnel were able to regain a pulse, and the individual was transported to Unity Point Trinity West Hospital for further care.

Your quick assessment, decisive action, and immediate initiation of CPR were critical in sustaining his life until additional medical personnel could take over.

I am proud to formally present you with the Moline Police Department Life Saving Award in recognition of your professionalism, quick thinking, and dedication to preserving human life.

Congratulations on a job well done. Your actions are a credit to this police department and to the City of Moline.

Sincerely,
Darren J. Gault
Chief of Police

Speeding creates unnecessary risks for all motorists, reducing the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, hazardous objects or unexpected curves. Moline Police Department
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 7th, 2026

CONTACT:
Sergeant Russell
[email protected]
(309)524-2212

‘Speeding Catches Up With You’

Moline, IL – The Moline Police Department today announced it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up traffic safety efforts across the state to reduce speeding. Throughout the month of July, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations.

During the speed limit enforcement campaign, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits. Offenders will be stopped and ticketed, especially on John Deere Rd (US Rt 5), US Rt 6, and I-74, where many speed-related crashes occur. The goal is to save lives.

Drivers can expect a ticket from Moline Police if they are spotted speeding. Stepped-up patrols will be seen throughout Rock Island County and the State July 8-31.

The speed enforcement effort is part of the "Speeding Catches Up with You" campaign and is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by IDOT. It also supports IDOT’s broader "It’s Not a Game" media campaign.

The ‘Serve’ part of Protect and Serve.

A citizen sent us this photo of Officer Short.

Officer Short came across a motorist in need and jumped in to help, saving them time and money.

Another great example of how we use the community policing model to serve our community.

Great work Officer Short and the Chief is reviewing your request for secondary employment for tomorrow’s NASCAR race.