Clik here to view.
Before he ever dreamed of leading the Hickory Hills Police Department, Deputy Chief Adam Gulczynski was just a boy visiting the Little Red Schoolhouse or dancing the night away at a high school winter formal. Today, his deep connection to the community guides his vision for a department poised for change, sharpened by his recent graduation from the FBI National Academy.
Attended by less than 1% of law enforcement officers worldwide, the academy offers elite training in leadership, management, and community engagement—skills Gulczynski is eager to bring back to Hickory Hills.
“I always enjoyed being a helpful person and was raised to make sure things were done the right way,” Gulczynski said. “Being a police officer fulfills both of those things in that the whole job revolves around helping others, making sure things are right, and holding those who aren’t right accountable.”
Gulczynski’s personal history in Hickory Hills is central to his leadership philosophy. “I always try to keep the idea that we will treat people the way we’d want our family treated if they needed help from the police,” he said.
His time at the FBI Academy provided invaluable insights. “The best parts of the academy were the experiences that students shared,” Gulczynski said, reflecting on group projects, physical challenges, and interactions with classmates from diverse backgrounds.
The training emphasized strategies for improving leadership, recruitment, and employee wellness. “I was able to review various employee wellness programs and leadership models that can help us improve our work environment,” Gulczynski said. “Employees that are happy do better at their jobs and perform them more efficiently.”
Gulczynski also gained a deeper understanding of how technology and resource-sharing enhance police operations. He acknowledged the financial challenges of acquiring tools like body-worn cameras but highlighted the department’s efforts to secure grants and partnerships to minimize costs for taxpayers.
As Hickory Hills evolves, Gulczynski identifies hiring, retention, and training as priorities. “Law enforcement as a whole is experiencing a lack of interest as a career field,” he said. Despite these challenges, the department has successfully recruited talented new officers while adapting to changing laws and procedures.
Gulczynski also underscored the value of collaboration with other agencies. “We become part of a professional network that we can lean on when we encounter a challenge that we may not have seen in Hickory Hills, but someone else has already overcome,” he said.
Community trust remains a cornerstone of Gulczynski’s vision for the department. He praised Hickory Hills residents for their support of local officers. “The residents of Hickory Hills are great,” he said. “I always enjoy when a resident takes the time to stop and say hello or wave when we drive the neighborhoods. Those small acts of kindness go a long way to boost our officer’s morale.”
The department is also exploring new ways to connect with the community. “We’ve started our School Resource Officer program with School District 117 to foster positive relationships at the grade school level,” Gulczynski said, adding that increased social media engagement is part of the plan to strengthen transparency and outreach.
Gulczynski hopes his achievements inspire others in the department to pursue professional development. “I hope that it motivates others in my department to strive to improve themselves and pursue professional training opportunities,” he said. “I believe you should learn something new every day, and you can always do things better.”
With a focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and community engagement, Deputy Chief Gulczynski’s leadership promises to guide the Hickory Hills Police Department through challenges and opportunities ahead.
The post Deputy police chief brings FBI training home to Hickory Hills appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.