School Resource Officer Mark Dallas received an award from the Dixon Police Department for his bravery in taking down a would-be school shooter. | Facebook/Dixon, Illinois, Police Department
School Resource Officer Mark Dallas received an award from the Dixon Police Department for his bravery in taking down a would-be school shooter. | Facebook/Dixon, Illinois, Police Department
State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Peoria) expressed his enthusiasm about the renaming of the street in front of Dixon High School in a Facebook post on May 30, commending a school resource officer for his heroic deed of responding to an active shooter situation.
In a ceremony the same day, Lincoln Statue Drive in front of Dixon High School was officially renamed "Mark Dallas Way." According to Shaw Local News Network, the newly renamed road pays tribute to Mark Dallas, a school resource officer whose swift and courageous actions prevented a potential school shooting back in May 2018.
"Five years ago, Mark Dallas became a hero," Stoller wrote on Facebook. "As a school resource officer, he responded within seconds to an active shooter at Dixon Public Schools #170. Because of his bravery, no one was injured. Today, the road in front of the school was named in his honor. Well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Mark!"
According to WIFR News, on May 16, 2018, Dallas found himself faced with a terrifying situation when he heard gunshots while conversing in the athletic director's office. Without hesitation, Dallas confronted the shooter, former student Matthew Milby, in the hallway. An exchange of gunfire followed, with Dallas's shot ultimately striking Milby in the shoulder. His swift and decisive actions prevented further harm to the students and staff of Dixon High School.
"I couldn't believe it," Dallas told WIFR News. "But being mad, being [a] dad and being the patrolman, the SRO there, I wasn't gonna let him get away. I was sitting in our athletic director's office talking to our athletic director and his secretary when I heard several shots ring out.”
According to WIFR News, in August 2019, Dallas was awarded the prestigious "National Officer of the Year" by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. The following year, the Illinois Juvenile Officer's Association recognized him with the "Juvenile Officer of the Year" award for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the students at Dixon High School.
The recent renaming of Lincoln Statue Drive serves as a lasting testament to Dallas's bravery and dedication. It is a fitting tribute to a man who put his life on the line to protect others. The ceremony was attended by state Rep. Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon), the City of Dixon, Illinois, Government, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and others who wanted to show their support and appreciation.
According to KWQC News, Milby faced justice for his actions. In July 2022, he pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm towards a peace officer and aggravated discharge of a firearm in a school building. In October 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the requirement to serve at least 85% of the sentence.
Officer Mark Dallas's heroism and selflessness continue to inspire the community of Dixon and beyond.
In 2020, the Dixon Police Department announced in a Facebook post that Dallas was honored by the Illinois Juvenile Officer’s Association for his efforts.
"Officer Mark Dallas was presented with the Illinois Juvenile Officer's Association 2019 Juvenile Officer of the Year Award today for his heroic actions on May 16, 2018, and his overall commitment to the students at Dixon High School," Dixon Police Department wrote. "Congratulations, Officer Dallas."
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