Commendations are in order for members of the Evergreen Park Police Department who recently made a series of arrests that may have prevented major crimes.
A license-plate reading camera alerted Evergreen Park police to a vehicle wanted by Markham Police for fleeing and eluding officers.
Police found the vehicle parked at Aldi, 2541 W. 95th St., and took both the driver and passenger into custody.
During Monday night’s Evergreen Park Village Board meeting, Police Chief Michael Saunders requested commendations for the officers, which the board unanimously approved.
“The officers receiving this commendation located and apprehended an armed and extremely dangerous felon that resisted arrest using a motor vehicle and himself with intentional disregard for the safety of the officers and the people of this community,” said Mayor Kelly Burke.
Saunders also requested commendations for officers who responded to a fight at the Five Below store, 9680 S. Western Ave.
“This was a critical situation involving a dangerous and armed encounter with a suspect that was successfully approached and contained by these officers at great risk to themselves and innocent civilian bystanders present,” Burke said. “Their dedication to duty and to public safety is well noted in this case.”
Saunders announced a police department vacancy following an officer’s resignation, and the board authorized hiring a new probationary patrol officer from the eligibility list.
Fire Chief Ron Kleinhaus requested approval for an affiliation agreement with Moraine Community College, benefiting both the village and the college by having firefighter/paramedic trainees work with the village during the school year.
Kleinhaus noted the affiliation’s successful history over the past few years, and the board approved the proposal unanimously, 6-0.
The board approved an ordinance granting a special use permit for residential use of property at 9340 S. Kedzie in the “C” commercial district, with a 6-0 vote.
The village approved a contract last month to sell the building. Mayor Kelly Burke explained that the buyer plans to add a second-floor apartment, while the first floor will remain business space.
Burke expressed delight over the work and community response to recent holiday activities.
“I want to thank everyone who attended and helped out with Halloween events,” the mayor said. “Thanks to an awesome Halloween parade, a successful Pumpkin Smash, and a successful Fanta-Sci event.”
In other news: The village’s youth department coat drive runs through the end of November, accepting new or gently used coats at the Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., or Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave.
Burke announced that Village Hall will close on Monday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.
“I want to thank everyone in advance for their service and what you have done for our country,” Burke said.
A community blood drive is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. Register at www.communityblood.org or call 800-280-4102.
The Evergreen Park Community High School Foundation Fundraiser is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, at Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park. For details, call or text Steve at 708-542-7330 or email foundationepchs@gmail.com.
Village Hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving.
Santa’s Wonderland and the inaugural “Reindog Parade” will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Community Center. For details, call the Evergreen Park Recreation Department at 708-229-3373.
The annual tree lighting will follow Santa’s Wonderland at Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave.
The final yard waste pickup, weather permitting, is on Sunday, Dec. 15. Residents should use green yard waste containers for leaves and garden waste, raking only excess leaves to the curb or placing them in brown paper bags.