Champaign County Leaders Honored Among Illinois' Outstanding Young Persons

Champaign police lieutenant and METCAD administrator recognized for professional excellence and community service.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a police badge and 9-1-1 headset in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the public service roles of the award recipients.The TOYP Awards honor the next generation of Illinois leaders making a difference through public service and community engagement.Champaign Today

Two local public servants from Champaign County, Illinois have been recognized among the state's best through the Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois (TOYP) Awards, a program that honors individuals ages 18 to 40 for excellence in their professions and a strong commitment to community service.

Why it matters

The TOYP Awards highlight the next generation of leaders in Illinois, showcasing individuals who are making a positive impact through their careers and volunteer work. Recognizing these young leaders helps inspire others and demonstrates the valuable contributions of public servants in local communities.

The details

Champaign Police Lieutenant Kaitlin Fisher was honored in the category of personal improvement and/or accomplishment for her strong leadership within the department and her work co-coordinating Camp Fury, a program of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois that gives young women hands-on exposure to careers in fire and police services. Brad Hardcastle, a system administrator for METCAD 9-1-1, received recognition in the category of humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership for his extensive volunteer efforts, including serving as an auxiliary officer with the Hoopeston Police Department, an active member of the Hoopeston Emergency Management Agency, and playing a significant role in the Hoopeston Jaycees.

  • The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois (TOYP) Awards were presented in April 2026.

The players

Kaitlin Fisher

Champaign Police Lieutenant who was honored for her strong leadership within the department and her work co-coordinating Camp Fury, a program of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois that gives young women hands-on exposure to careers in fire and police services.

Brad Hardcastle

A system administrator for METCAD 9-1-1 who was recognized for his extensive volunteer efforts, including serving as an auxiliary officer with the Hoopeston Police Department, an active member of the Hoopeston Emergency Management Agency, and playing a significant role in the Hoopeston Jaycees.

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The takeaway

The recognition of these young leaders from Champaign County highlights the valuable contributions of public servants in local communities and the importance of nurturing the next generation of civic-minded professionals.