Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk said men and women who have gone through the department's cadet program have become successful. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)
Palos Park cadet program labelled ‘monumentally successful’
By Jeff Vorva
Who knew in 1999 that a group of kids comprising a new police program in Palos Park would be this successful?
The Palos Park Police Department’s cadet program is entering its 24th year and at Monday night’s village council meeting, Mayor John Mahoney and Police Commissioner Dan Polk looked back and praised the initiative.
Mahoney called the program “monumentally successful” and Polk agreed.
“With the CIA and FBI and other national enforcement agencies plus state police, county police and local police, you can usually find a (former) Palos Park Police cadet,” Polk said. “The other important thing to point out is that they are not just law enforcement officers.
“They end up in other areas, particularly government. We’ve got people who are attorneys, we have legislators and it’s a terrific program. When you see those young men and women out there directing traffic in the summer at the Plush Horse, many of them are destined for greater things.”
Police Chief Joe Miller started up the program in 1999 and some of the training the cadets receive include accident investigations, CPR and first aid, crime scene search, crowd and traffic control and field searches.
Anyone looking to join the program can download an application at palospark.org.
The ‘fun stuff’
Commissioner Nicole Milovich-Walters said she had some “fun stuff” to announce regarding coming events in the village.
The Chili in the Park event will take place Feb. 11 at the Recreation Center.
The Palos Park Doggy Dash, which is a 5K or mile fun run and walking event, takes place May 20. Dogs and other pets are welcome, and plans are in the works for a PetPalooza event after the race on the Village Green.
Brunch with the Bunny and the Egg Hunt will take place April 1.
Wu parking request on hold
Wu’s House Restaurant has a parking lot extension request in limbo after it was rejected at a recent planning commission meeting.
Commissioner Mike Wade said that Wu’s representatives want to address comments made at that meeting at the Feb. 13 village council meeting.
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Donate teddy bears to our local police
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter? The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them. They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …
Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…
Solarbration: Chicago Ridge celebrates fun in the sun
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The sun is shining and after a long winter, Chicago Ridge residents ready for it. In honor of National Solar Appreciation Day, the Chicago Ridge Park District offered residents the opportunity to come out and celebrate with a Solarbration, the free event was held outside of Freedom Activity Center, 6252…
Oak Lawn trustee says village needs state grocery tax
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn trustee said that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax will be costly for the village. Trustee William “Bud” Stalker (5th), accompanied by Mayor Terry Vorderer, recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Springfield where they learned more about the governor’s proposal to eliminate…
Palos Heights recognizes volunteers
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Palos Heights handed out awards last week recognizing the services provided by volunteers through the years. The proclamations, which were read aloud during the city council meeting April 16, were a testament to the city’s volunteers and were handed out as part of Volunteer Recognition Week. Volunteers were cited for…
Boys Volleyball | Richards weathering struggles after run of success
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent After a tough weekend at the Smack Attack tournament, Richards got back into the win column with a two-set victory over Eisenhower in a South Suburban Red match. The Bulldogs made quick work of the Cardinals, winning 25-16, 25-15 on April 23 in Oak Lawn to snap a five-match…
SD218 puts on annual Arts Extravaganza
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The arts have become a major portion of the curriculum Community High School District 218. Showcasing those many talents, the Friends of CHSD 218’s Education Foundation proudly hosted its 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. “The Arts Extravaganza is a great event…
Gaming licenses to be tougher to get in Orland Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva It’s going to take longer to receive gaming licenses in Orland Park. The village board passed an ordinance April 15 that would allow table service businesses open at least 36 consecutive months to apply rather than the previous 18 months, and extended the probationary period to 18 months instead of…
Palos Park passes $16 million budget
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Palos Park Village Council approved the 2024-25 budget, which totals a little more than $16.3 million at the April 22 village council meeting. According to village documents, it represented an increase of a shade over $603,000 from last year. The village is expecting $13.4 million in revenue and $1.86…
Fire damages Al Bahaar Restaurant in Orland Park
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Orland Fire Protection District firefighters responded to a fire Monday evening at the Al Bahaar Restaurant, 39 Orland Square Dr. At first, restaurant owners suspected the fire alarm was triggered by a malfunction, but as firefighters inspected the restaurant to reset the fire alarm, they detected a burning smell. “What…