On April 24, 2018, the Waukegan Exchange Club held their annual Police, Fire and Sheriff Awards presentation. Detective Matt Harmon was nominated for and selected Officer of the Year.

Detective Harmon was nominated for his dedication, integrity, self-sacrifice, and enthusiasm in investigating cases and building community relations. Harmon was a founding member of the Lake County Human Trafficking Coalition. In his capacity as a coalition member, he maintains partnerships with social service agencies for trafficking victims. Harmon played an integral role in investigating and arresting subjects for human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, firearms trafficking and other gang-related crimes.

Detective Harmon joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 8 years ago, following a 5-year law enforcement career with another agency. Detective Harmon currently serves as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division and is assigned to the Lake County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force.

Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr. stated, "I am proud of the entire Lake County Sheriff’s Office team. However, today is a special day for Detective Matt Harmon. He is recognized as Deputy of the Year and he certainly deserves it. Matt’s dedication to investigating gang-related activities including the trafficking of humans, narcotics and firearms improves public safety.

“I would also like to thank Waukegan Exchange President Lety Castellanos, Committee Chair Dexter Miller and members of the Exchange Club for recognizing the good work of the Sheriff's Office. Your acknowledgment is appreciated by law enforcement personnel and your community."

Photo below: L-2-R: Sheriff Mark Curran, Lety Castellanos, Dexter Miller, Detective Matt Harmon, Undersheriff David Hare and Deputy Chief Michael Keller.