Chicago Police Department Weblog

Letter of Commendation for 15th District Officers

Dear Commander Green:

Officer Thomas and Officer Pickett, stationed at Austin High School, have made the difficult job of disciplinarian much easier.

I am Dr. Spell, Dean of Students at Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy. Because there are two small independent schools housed at Austin, Officers Thomas and Pickett help two different deans and several autonomous administrators. Officers Thomas and Pickett are swift, constructive, and accommodating to all, and some of us have huge egos.

In our school, ABEA, maintaining the discipline of nearly 400 freshmen and sophomores is taxing. Unfortunately there have been instances where students had to be arrested. In these cases officers Thomas and Pickett were thorough yet understanding toward all concerned. Then there are times when adults want to use the police to make a point. In these situations, Officers Thomas and Picket truly serve and protect.

Both officers are excellent at finding the truth amid lies, settling disputes before they escalate. Once, belligerent parents wanted my head on a platter and Officer Picket protected me. Numerous times young adults have no idea of the trouble they're courting and Officer Thomas advises them with wisdom and love. Her kind of service is sorely needed in our community. If you could duplicate her twenty times over, the Austin community would have a much better opinion of and appreciation for law enforcement, and we would be safer by far. She raises consciousness.

Finally, I've tried to put into words the outstanding work of Officer Pickett and Officer Thomas. .But words fail to convey how they have helped save some students from would be disaster, or how they gave me, a novice, the confidence to proceed with integrity.

Sincerely,

Dana Spell, Dean of Students

16th District Officers, Area Detectives Clear Theft Pattern

On 18 April 08, at 0226 hours, Lieutenant Jeffery Gale, Officer’s Irizarry, Doyle, Govea, Burns, Meier, Honda, Mulder and Gibbelina responded to an assignment of Theft from Auto in Progress at 35xx N. Normandy.

Upon arrival at this location, the Officers observed an offender, standing outside the victim’s vehicle by the driver’s side door. The Officers further observed the driver’s side window was broken out and glass was strewn about. Upon approaching the auto, a second offender was observed inside the vehicle, ducking down in the driver’s seat. Both Offenders were immediately taken into custody and advised of their rights.

An interview of the victim related she heard a car alarm going off: When she looked out her window, she saw the one offender standing outside her vehicle by the driver’s side door. She then notified the police. Further investigation by the officer’s revealed a white Mercury Sable parked nearby with the engine running. The vehicle registered to one of the offender’s. Inside the vehicle were the proceeds from other burglaries of autos, including another GPS system, Sony am/fm car stereo and a 9” Panasonic television with brackets as if it was mounted in a vehicle. The victims of these crimes were subsequently located and both offenders were charged with several counts of Burglary.

After advising the offenders of their rights, they admitted that they were responsible for numerous break-ins and thefts from autos. This arrest cleared an emerging crime trend regarding thefts of GPS navigation systems. As a result of this outstanding investigation and arrest , Detectives Pilolli and Mullane cleared over 100 theft from auto cases.

Submitted by:

Anthony J. Riccio, Commander 016th District

Thank You Letter for the Recovery of A Stolen Vehicle

My wife, 4 year old daughter, and myself were in Chicago this past weekend for the Ellen show. We were staying at the Sheraton Towers on a mini family vacation. When the trip was over we went to the "secure" valet garage to get our Chevy Tahoe and head home. It was a garage operated by System Parking. You could imagine our surprise when the garage manager told us that our Tahoe wasn't there.

Well after hours of trying to figure out what had happen, the garage manager admitted that he believes an employee left our keys in the car with the doors unlocked in a garage with no cameras. It took 30 hours for the company to get us a rental so I could take my family home.

We had just about lost hope in the system when I received a call around 1 am on 05/08/08 from Officer Swiapkowski. He had the amazing news. Not only had he found our Tahoe, but they had caught the thief in the act. We hear a lot about the budget cuts and the demand put on the officers to make a difference. Well I'm here to tell everyone that this officer made a difference in our lives by putting those who were responsible, in jail where they belong.

He brought closure to a stressful time for us and we will not forget the effort put forth daily by Officer Swiapkowski and every officer as they go to work every day to serve and protect.

Thank you to all that ware the uniform. Jim, Lisa, and Emily Stabile

Celebrate Police Memorial Month--And Get a Treat, Too!

POLICE MEMORIAL MONTH (MAY)

Bleeding Heart Bakery at 1955 W. Belmont is featuring the Police Memorial Cupcake. Bleeding Heart will donate $1.00 to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation for each cupcake sold this month!!

Please spread the word to all friends and relatives to support the Foundation and get a sweet treat in return!

Call the number or click the link below for more info!

773-327-6934    or     BleedingHeartBakery

LEGENDS Police Organization Needs Your Support

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER:  MAY 23, 2008 FOP HALL  1800-2200 HRS

What is LEGENDS?

Law Enforcement Greeks Educating Nurturing Developing Serving (LEGENDS), is a grass roots organization founded March 2007, stemming from Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO's).

The aim of LEGENDS is to enhance bonding, mentoring and networking of like minded individuals in Law Enforcement. The organization extends services to distressed communities. Also, LEGENDS educates adolescents and college bound minority students of career opportunity's in Law Enforcement. These efforts are done through emphasizing the importance of completing college, as well as granting annual scholarships to under privileged candidates. (Open the attached PDF file to print a copy of the Scholarship Application). Download legends_scholarship_letter.pdf

All aspects of educating, nurturing, developing and serving while being positive influences are the goals of LEGEND'S members. We are a recognized organization of the Chicago Police Department. Our Bylaw's charge is the ongoing support of the Gold Star Families Foundation, which provides financial relief to families of slain and disabled officers. This is done through our Annual Fundraiser. Generated proceeds are contributed to Gold Star and a portion is donated to the LEGENDS Scholarship Fund.

In 2007, we hosted a Department wide Toy Drive. We collected in excess of 250 items, which far exceeded our goal. These donations benefited the CPD's Chaplains Unit (See Photo).

Please support our effort to enhance the lives of Chicago's children.

Always be a Legend. . . .

Gregory M. Jackson, President

Contact Info:

Sgt. Gregory M. Jackson

Chicago Police Department

Bureau of Investigative Services

Area One Detective Division

Office: 312 747-8382

The depth of their sacrifice will stand the test of time.

For those who have gone before us, we REMEMBER.

For those who continue to serve with honor and dignity, we say "Thank You."

Be safe.

Come Support Our Own Gridiron Greats!!

Courtesy:  Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

Chicago Police "Enforcers" Football Team VS. San Diego "Enforcers" Football Team May 4, 2008 1:PM St. Rita H.S.

The Chicago Police Enforcers 2nd annual Gold Star Bowl Football Game.

When:   Sunday May 4, 2008 1:00 P.M.

Where:  St. Rita High School 7740 S. Western

Admission: $10.00 Donation -- Kids are Free

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Enforcers three charities: Gold Star Families Chicago Police Memorial Foundaiton Mercy Home for Boys and Girls

PRE GAME : ENFORCERS FUNDRAISER PRE GAME FUNDRAISER

The Enforcers will be holding a fundraiser on Thursday May 1, 2008 8:00 - 11:00 at Trinity Pub 5943 N. Northwest Hwy $30.00 Donation

SPECIAL EVENT

Department members are encouraged to attend the St. Jude Police League Memorial March. Step off will be at 0800 hours Sunday, 4 May 2008. Once again, the March will take place along Museum Campus Drive in front of the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park. Immediately following the march, a short non-denominational memorial service for recently deceased Department members will take place at the memorial’s water fall.

SPECIAL NOTICE

This years National Peace Officers Memorial Service begins on Tuesday, 13 May 08 thru Friday, 16 May 08. If you are interested in attending this years ceremonies honoring all Fallen Officers contact Preventive Programs, Unit 132 at 5-5823 or Pax 0304 for more information. A packet will be sent that will help officers with hotel, transportation and event participation over the fourday service. Hotel rooms go fast, it is imperative you act soon.

SPORTS EVENT

The Sixth Annual Chicago Battle of the Badges will take place at De La Salle Institute, 3455 S. Wabash Avenue, on 18 Apr. 08. The Chicago Park District best amateur boxers will compete against one another at 1830 hours. Police and Fire combatants will square off at 2000 hours. Admission is only $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Monies raised will go to Police Charities such as the Police Memorial, St. Jude and Police Athletic League. For information or tickets contact P.O. Caridine at (312) 745-5838 ex 84645.

SPECIAL NOTICE

The CPD Chorale is in its full rehearsal schedule. Please feel free to join us. No auditions necessary, but some prior choral experience is preferred. For information call Molly at (773) 484-8509 or Dennis at (773) 294-3427.

SPECIAL EVENT

Register now for the 4th Annual Run to Remember 5K run or walk, benefitting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, Saturday, 3 May 2008 at Gold Star Park, 0800 hours. Sign up by 15 April to be eligible for the premium technical t-shirt. www.cpdmemorial.org/run

Final Check Off Roll Call

After almost 38 years of service, it is time for my final "check off" roll call.  I can remember my first day at 720 W. O'Brien when I first started the Police Academy 14 Sept 70.  I was familiar with the place because I was there to become a police cadet in July of 64 but I was now there to become the "real police".  I has been some adventure since then.  I spent a short period of time in the 2nd District before going to Special Operations in 1971.  The next 10 years were perhaps the best years of my police life. I was blessed with a good partner and we spent the next 14 years together.   I had the opportunity to work with some of the best policemen I had ever met.  In 1981 I went back to the 2nd District for a few years before doing a brief tour in the 11th District.  In 1985 I was assigned to News Affairs after knee surgery for a recovery period.  That was 23 years ago.  During this period of time it has been my privilege to represent the finest police department in the country to the News media.  In 1998 they made me an offer I could not refuse, if I would retire they would make me the Assistant Director of News Affairs.  News Affairs became a 24/7 operation and  established an excellent working relationship with the media.  As Assistant Director I had the honor of representing the heart and soul of this department, the working police officers on the street.  In covering over 300 police involved shootings in the past ten years I became the voice and face of the Chicago Police Department at those many traumatic incidents.  Police officers involved in shootings deserve to have the basic facts of the incident made available to the general  public.  They do not need to hear the nonsense from the so called witnesses who did not see a damn thing but will get on camera and tell the media bold face lies regarding the incident.  I have been a police officer for 38 years and I have never met a police officer who woke up in the morning and was determined he was going to shoot someone before the day was over.  I have also been part of too many "honors" funerals for those officers who put everything on the line including their life and became hero's.  These officers were hero's before their death just as each and every officer that is on street today is a hero.  Do it because you are the police. 

The City has been very good to me and I thank them for it.  They have paid tuition for a Bachelors and Masters Degree and I am grateful for that.  (Shame on you if you don't take advantage of educational benefits that are available.)  It has been a wonderful experience.  I know I was the "real police" and as I walk out of the building today it will be with my head held high because I have been part of the finest police department in the Country, the Chicago Police Department. 

This will also be my final posting as the Editor of the Checkerboard.  I hope this blog remains what it started out to be, OF THE POLICE....BY THE POLICE......FOR THE POLICE.

God Bless you all and Stay Safe!

Patrick Camden

Deputy Director

News Affairs - Chicago Police Department