Palos Park Police Department

09/15/2026

Did you know The Palos Park Police Foundation was established in 2010 to support the Palos Park Police Department and it’s sworn members. The PPPF enhances our ability to continue to meet the challenging demands of policing in 2026 & beyond. While the Village of Palos Park provides the necessary funds for the department to operate effectively.

The Palos Park Police Foundation Re- Commits their Efforts as we head into Fall, to improve police technology, training, and crime reduction / prevention equipment
As Illinois’ first Police Foundation, the Palos Park Police Foundation has truly been a secret weapon of philanthropy to support and pioneer public-safety enhancements.

Our Palos Park Police Foundation members see policing as a vital governmental function that can, with proper training, equipment and technology coupled with their commitment to serve as a critical factor in the success of the Palos Park Department’s mission of collaboration with our community members, elected leadership, our business community and our philanthropic partners.

Palos Park Police Foundation President Melissa Gracias noted, The Palos Park Police Foundation (PPPF) is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves as a community partner to the Palos Park Police Department to provide resources and play a critical role in taking public safety beyond what our government tax dollars will allow”.

Their fundraising efforts are lazar focused on the rapidly evolving technology and equipment initiatives in policing that require funding. The Palos Park Police Foundation awards 100% of monies raised in their efforts to ensure our officers have the best training, equipment, and programs to perform at their highest level.

Please consider donating today and make a visible difference in the quality of life of Palos Park through an investment in public safety.

https://www.palosparkpolicefoundation.com/index.html

09/15/2026

The Palos Park Library is where our community comes together to learn, connect, and grow. Join us for our fundraiser on Saturday, October 3, from 4:30–7:00 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $30 pre-sale | $40 at the door
Get your tickets at the library or on our website.
Can’t make it? You can still make a difference with a donation. Your support helps the library continue bringing our community together.

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

Chicago Police OEMC Communications Operator (PCOI) Natalia Rodriguez., Rest in Peace. May her blood and blue families find peace in the many memories you shared. Our deepest condolences.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Police Communications Operator (PCOI) Natalia Rodriguez. Throughout her decade of service to this department, Natalia was a close colleague and friend to many who worked alongside her throughout the years. Professionally, she was a hard worker and dedicated call taker. Natalia’s passing is a terrible loss to her family and to OEMC. Her contributions to 9-1-1 Operations and the City of Chicago will not be forgotten.

09/14/2026

Without hesitation!!

The immediate response and quick thinking by Palos Park Police staff members, Deputy Chief Chris Hughes, Officer John Winter, Officer Bill Sanchez and Officer Scott Van Wagner late in the afternoon of May 17, 2025, their quick thinking prevented potential tragedy as an out-of-control driver drive into the Church of the Transfiguration 12219 S 86th Ave, Palos Park

Without hesitation, Deputy Chief Chris Hughes, Officer John Winter, Officer Bill Sanchez, and Officer Scott Van Wagner acted immediately to help those in need. Due to their actions at the scene, there were no catastrophic injuries’ to of those inside the church. Three children were taken to at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, and the driver of the pickup truck is at Palos who suffered a medical emergency while driving was taken to Palos Northwestern

Officer Van Wagner and Deputy Chief Hughes were both hospitalized for observation after the accident.

We are extremely grateful for the quick action and response by our staff members and our many partner agencies that assisted in this matter, including the Palos Fire District, Palos Heights Fire District, Orland Fire District and many Fire / EMS departments and districts that responded to the mutual aid Box alarm. The Cook County Sherriff's Police patrol and investigative staff and the Palos Heights Police Department, who made sure all the first responders were provided food while working the scene, and A Auto Towing staff that spent hours working side by side with first responders.

One note about community, tragic events like this can provide valuable lessons born from them, we saw courageous, teachers and people running toward the problem rather than away
officers are currently hospitalized for inhalation of smoke and construction debris while trying while trying to get to the children inside the church where the truck ended up

09/14/2026

Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) -AAIM DUI PIN Award Program

Enforcing DUI laws is often a thankless, time-consuming, and challenging task. However, it remains one of the most vital arrests officers can make regularly. Despite their efforts, many law enforcement officers do not always receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Every year, the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) surveys over 700 police agencies in Illinois to find the top DUI officers. AAIM honors the remarkable achievements of those dedicated to combating impaired driving and supporting crash victims by presenting them with award certificates.
For 2025.

Police Commissioner Polk announced that The Palos Park Police Department had 4 Officers recognized by AAIM as "Top Cops" for their DUI enforcement efforts.

Congratulations to Sergeant Ross Chibe, Rebecca Duffy, John Winter and Brian Adcock on this significant achievement! Polk noted, “Every year people are killed and thousands severely injured as a result of alcohol and drug-related crashes in Illinois. We are proud of all of our PPPD Officers efforts to keep our roadways and community safe!”

The DUI Pin Award Program provides ongoing recognition to officers who excel in arresting impaired drivers. Established in 2001, any officer who has made 10 or more DUI arrests since January 1, 2001, is eligible to receive an award. The award package includes a lapel pin, a letter of appreciation, and a certificate of achievement. Awards are requested through the supervisor of the officer.

Thank you, PPPD Sergeant Ross Chibe, Officer Rebecca Duffy, Officer John Winter and Officer Brian Adcock, Ph.D., on this significant achievement!

09/14/2026

Yesterday, PPPD joined partner agencies in participating First Responder Day at Brookfield Zoo! It was a great day spent meeting families, talking with members of our community, and showing off a little bit of the police side of things. This program was a chance to bring firefighters, police officers, Emergency Medical Services workers and other first responders together for the seventh annual First Responders Day event.

The meet and greet included local K-9 units, “touch a truck” experiences, and more many public safety professionals
Thank you to Brookfield Zoo for recognizing and supporting our public safety communities!

PPPD Officer Kelly Pendl and members of her family, all police officers represented their respective towns

09/14/2026

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