By Joe Boyle
The Evergreen Park police have been cited for valor after several key arrests that occurred the past couple of months.
Police Chief Michael Saunders requested commendations for the officers during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. Mayor Kelly Burke and the board applauded the efforts of the force.
Police were recognized for “Outstanding Performance of Duty” for an arrest of an offender on March 26. Burke said an altercation occurred at 102nd and Homan Avenue when a resident yelled to a driver, who was traveling erratically down the block.
According to police, the driver or another passenger pulled out a weapon and shot in the direction of the resident. The resident was not injured, according to reports.
The police responded right away and arrested the offender. The investigation led to felony charges on two of the suspects. One offender was charged with aggravated discharge and aggravated unlawful use of a firearm, while the second offender was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Officers Duffin, Hansen, Biszewski, Morgan, and Knight, Lt. Stiers, detectives Truell, Arroyo, Cavato, Rich, Detective Sgt. Bielanski, and tactical officers Phillips and Vos were recognized.
Police were also recognized for responding to a caller who was being chased in her car on April 2 by a male subject who had fired a gun in her direction, according to reports.
An investigation determined the actual incident took place in Chicago, police said. Evergreen Park police officers responded promptly and arrested the offender, according to reports. Chicago police detectives took custody of the offender to pursue multiple felony charges.
Cited for valor were Sergeant Salazar, officers Lazinek, O’Connor, Keller, Kurschner, Deputy Chief Linn, Detective Captain Hart, detectives Schleder, Sarno, Cavato, Rich, and tactical officers Smiley, Phillips and Vos.
Officers Duffin and Ratke were recognized after pulling over a vehicle on March 17 for an equipment violation. During this traffic stop, it was determined the driver has a suspended driver’s license and during questioning, learned the driver had a concealed firearm, according to reports.
The driver was issued two citations including driving on a suspended license and for having an unauthorized illegally possessed firearm.
Several officers responded on April 15 to a report of a stolen vehicle that was entering the Plaza parking lot. Responding officers apprehended three juveniles with extensive criminal records as a result.
All three offenders were charged with felony possession of a stolen vehicle and felony unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition, the driver was charged with felony damage to government property, possession of burglary tools and possession of cannabis.
All three offenders were sent to the juvenile detention center.
Recognized for their valor were Lt. Soso, Sgt. Salazar, officers Lazinek, Lehnhardt, Keller, Medina, Cervantes, Ragsdale, and detectives Schleder, Brakowski and Truell.
“Great work by our very busy officers and we appreciate all that they do,” Burke said.
Honor Virginia Wrobel
Burke read a proclamation honoring longtime resident Virginia Wrobel, recognizing her for her service as founder of the Evergreen Park Food Coalition in the Village of Evergreen Park.
Wrobel recently retired from working at the food pantry. Burke read from the proclamation that stated that Wrobel moved to Evergreen Park in 1970 with her husband, Walter, and four children. She was working for the American Red Cross and later became a member of the Evergreen Park Rotary Club.
In September of 1974, she was hired as the senior citizens director for the village, which is now known as the Office of Citizen Services. Wrobel created a staff of senior volunteers to run the office and promote the independence of other seniors. She has been a leader in volunteerism, serving on several other boards and committees for over 50 years.
During the 1981-82 recession, Wrobel helped start the Evergreen Park Food Pantry in the basement of the Central Junior High School.
“She has been instrumental in feeding countless Evergreen Park neighbors in need ever since as a board member and most recently serving as the village pantry’s president,” Burke read from the proclamation.
Wrobel was presented with a plaque from Trustee Mark Phelan and food pantry volunteer, recognizing her for 43 years of service. Trustee Carol Kyle presented an appreciative Wrobel with flowers.
Another proclamation was recognized for “Emergency Medical Services Week” for the week of May 19-25. National Public Works Week, “Connecting the World Through Public Works,” was also recognized for the week of May 19-25.
The 55th Annual Professional Clerk’s Week is being recognized for the week of May 5-11. Members of the board recognized the efforts of Village Clerk Kelly Duffy.
The board approved a business license for Smoke City Tobacco, 3336 W. 95th St.. The smoke shop will be open from 9 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
E-waste and household hazardous waste can be dropped off from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave.
The Evergreen Park Fire Department will host its annual Kids Health Fair from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the station, 9000 S. Kedzie Ave.