Retired WCIA engineer awarded Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA is proud to announce that Peter McFarland, a retired employee of ours, was awarded the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award by Champaign County Crime Stoppers.

McFarland was recognized Thursday during Crime Stoppers’ annual meeting at the Elks Lodge in Savoy. While working at WCIA as an engineer, McFarland has been involved in community youth development for 35 years. In total, he’s had an impact on shaping the lives of over 6,000 people, providing free health clinics, trips to MLB games, basketball camps featuring former NBA players Boy Scouts, refereeing, and countless other outreach programs.

“Our program congratulates and thanks Peter for his hard work and dedication to the youth of Champaign County,” said Crime Stoppers President John Hecker. “Through his tireless work and dedication, he has helped shape the lives of the thousands of individuals and enhanced the safety of our community. For his continuing efforts in these areas, Peter is most deserving of this year’s Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award.”

The Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award is named in honor of McFarland’s fellow WCIA employee Dave Benton.

“Having known the kind of person Dave was makes me very grateful to receive the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award in his honor,” McFarland said. “I’m very grateful and humbled for this award, which could have been given to any number of individuals in Champaign-Urbana who do good work in the community. Thanks to my wife Debarah and my children for allowing me to do this work, and thank you to all who played a part in this great honor.”

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