2011 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

The Springfield Division is pleased to honor Mr. Dave Benton, anchor and reporter for WCIA Channel 3 Television. Mr. Benton is the producer of “Crime Watch,” a segment that has generated community awareness and assisted law enforcement in the apprehension of criminals.

“Crime Watch” is sponsored by Champaign County Crime Stoppers, and the organization’s most wanted criminals are featured for the segment. Tips submitted during just one episode assisted local law enforcement in making an arrest within 60 minutes of the broadcast. The “Crime Watch” segment has been directly responsible for apprehending numerous criminals.

Mr. Benton is a board member of the Champaign County Crime Stoppers, and in 2010 he received the Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for Best Public Affairs Program.