URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — University of Illinois Police officer Troy Chew received a special honor to commemorate his time with the department.

Officer Chew received Badge 1 on Wednesday, which is awarded to the U of I Police Department’s most senior patrol officer. He started with UIPD in 2001 after previously working for the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Danville Police Department.

Chew was chosen to handle the department’s first ever Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9, Nala, and is now partnered with K9 Zuri. In his 23 years with the department, UIPD said that he has demonstrated dedication and leadership in public safety, greatly impacting Champaign County and the campus community in a positive way.

“Badge 1 is a tradition started by the former Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Barbara O’Connor,” the department said in a Facebook post. “The first Badge 1 was awarded in 2010, and Ofc. Chew is the sixth recipient.”

UIPD additionally said they are grateful for Chew’s dedicated years of service and the experience and knowledge he has passed on to fellow officers throughout the department.