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

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

Thank You to Cops for Looking After Neighborhood Kids

March 12, 2008

Dear Mayor Richard Daley:

Please allow me to introduce myself: I am Rev. Parker Turner, Minister of Substance Abuse and Minister of the Prison Ministry at First Baptist Congregational Church. On Monday, March 10, 2008 at approximately 11:00 PM, my car was parked near the Nancy Jefferson Park. I observed young boys playing basketball. Nearby were several police officers watching the young boys. 

At first I thought they were there to harass the youngsters, but later discovered that the officers were actually there to protect the young people. Not only did they protect the youngsters, but thy actually made sure the very young boys got home safely. These officers are to be commended for serving and protecting. We always hear about the negative action of the Chicago Police, but never the positive and the good deeds they do.

[T]herefore I would like to personally commend and thank Officers Huamani, Rewers and Rivera, Badge for their outstanding service in our community.

Respectfully,

Rev. Parker Turner

Rev. George W. Daniels, Senior Pastor

Dr. Arthur D. Griffin, Pastor Emeritus

First Baptist Congregational Church

1613 W. Washington Blvd.

Chicago IL

January 27, 2008

The Village of Oak Park

Village Hall Oak Park, IIIinois

Superintendent of Police

Chicago Police Chicago, IL

Superintendent Weis,

I would like to take this opportunity to commend two of your officers.

In the early evening hours of Thursday January 10, 2008 a man now known as Duwayne Allen walked into the Park National Bank located at 6011 W. North Avenue in Oak Park. Shortly after entering the walk-up area Allen handed the teller a note and announced a robbery. After receiving several thousand dollars from the teller Allen fled but was pursued by an off-duty Oak Park Police Officer who had been working security at the bank.

As the off-duty officer continued to radio his location our dispatch center notified the Chicago Police Department via the Zone 12 radio and asked for assistance. Within seconds of being notified Beat 2531 PO Simioni and PO Pekic arrived in the area and were joined by Oak Park PO Leitl. All three officers observed Allen throw a large amount of United States currency onto a front porch at 1505 N. Mason and then flee down a darkened gangway.

Without regard for their own safety and not knowing whether Allen was armed the three officers entered the darkened gangway confronted Allen and took him into custody without incident. Allen was ultimately identified by bank employees and provided Agents of the FBI with a statement implicating himself in the robbery.

The swift response by PO Simioni and PO Pekic was instrumental in removing a bank robber and violent career criminal from the streets of the Chicago land area. Their professionalism and dedication to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement and is highly commendable.

Cordially,

Rick C. Tanksley

Oak Park Police Department

macy's

Commander Juan Rivera

Chicago Police Department

Chicago, IL 60639

February 5, 2008

Commander Rivera,

On or about November 15, 2007, I contacted your command for assistance with an internal theft investigation involving our Macy's Distribution Center located at 4000 W. Diversey. This call was related to numerous thefts by one of our employees, and that same employees suspected involvement in illegal drug activities at our facility. Following this initial contact, I was informed by our investigations team at the 4000 W. Diversey location of the ¬outstanding partnership, professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by officers under your command.

Because of the efforts and cooperation of the officers in your command, our former employee was arrested and charged with felony theft. Following the arrest, the officers under your command aggressively pursued the retrieval of merchandise stolen from our distribution center and ultimately recovered more than $1,900 of stolen merchandise from the former employee's residence. As a direct result of this arrest, your officers helped dismantle a theft scam that what would have undoubtedly evolved into tens of thousands of dollars in loss to our company.

Over the course of several days, our Macy's investigators were welcomed, supported and regularly communicated with as part of the investigation by the officers under your command. The partnership, professionalism and dedication exhibited by these officers was exceptional, and displayed the highest level of commitment, integrity, and cooperation, which is the cornerstone to private - public support and partnership. In addition, your officers represented your command and the Chicago Police Department to the highest standards.

We wish to extend our appreciation and gratitude for the dedication and often-unrecognized efforts of these professionals

Officer Michael Burke 25th District

Officer Mathew Graf 25th District

Lt. Scott Dedore Unit 193 Gang Intelligence

On behalf of Macy's, please pass along our appreciation and thanks to these exceptional officers.

Respectfully,

Kevin J. Newcomer

Investigations Manager

Macy's, Chicago IL

SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.

November 20, 2007

Commander John Doty

Dear Commander,

It is such a pleasure to report how wonderful it was to have Officer Wesley Jackson as part of our annual Career Day, held November 16th, 2007. We would like to thank you for allowing him to address the students and give them some powerful information. The students have since commented how impressed they were with Officer Jackson, and expressed that there were so many things that they didn't know or understand about the police department. His knowledge and professionalism was truly impeccable.

Officer Jackson joined a myriad of other speakers from various career paths. He spoke to several classes that truly were able to enjoy the information he presented. Officer Jackson offered students a chance to learn about the neighborhood police department and also introduced the newest programs to getstudents involved.

Officer Jackson made it clear that the Chicago Police Department wants to have a seamless connection between them and their families throughout the neighborhood. I applaud Officer Jackson for his support and look forward to him coming again next school year.

Thank you again!

Sincerely,

Toyea A. Knazze, M.S.

Day Treatment Principal 

cc: Sgt. C. Rowland Officer W. Jackson

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Commander Dana Alexander

Fourth District, Chicago Police Department

Dear Commander Alexander,

I would like to commend your officers, Officer Theresa Almanza and Officer Assata Olugbala of Beat 406 Adam, for a job well done in apprehending persons involved in the burglary of my home.

I live at 90xx South Greenwood and my home was burglarized on Friday, January 18, 2008. The officers apprehended suspects on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. They diligently questioned the suspects and thoroughly examined the suspect's effects. As a result they were able to determine that the suspects were indeed involved in the burglary of my home.

It is my understanding that one of the people involved in my burglary lost her id card while burglarizing another home. When the officers identified her and picked her up, she was wearing my high school class ring, in which my name was inscribed.

Officer Almanza researched my name and found that I had recently filed a police report. Officer Almanza's persistence in the case and her attention to detail caused the suspect to confess to her involvement in at least two burglaries. It is this type of hard work, determination and intelligence that allows citizens like me to have confidence and admiration for the ine women and men of the Chicago Police Department.

While I do hope that my remaining items including an IBM laptop, a MAC laptop, a Samsung cell phone, a cell phone charger, and several rings (each described in my report) are recovered, I would be remised if I did not thank Officers Almanza and Olugbala for their efforts; and inform you of their great performance.

Sincerely,

Jennelle A. Alexander

cc: Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks;

Officer Theresa Almanza, Officer Assata Olugbala

All In a Day's Work. Citizen Thanks 25th Dist Officer

January 17, 2008

Mayor Richard M. Daley

Dear Mayor Daley:

On January 14th, my son had an errand to run and when he went out to get into his car it was gone. Monday evening after I got off work I met my son at the 25th District and filed a report with Officer Brian Hoffmann. Under the circumstances it was a pleasant experience. I was taken care of promptly.

As Officer O' Brien was entering all the info into the computer, Officer Mike Mattson (who is also one of my Beat Officers) came by to see what was going on. I thought that was very nice of him. Officer Mattson is also very helpful when it comes to Beat Meeting information needed/requested.

Anyway, last night about 9:30 my phone rings and it was an Officer from the 16th District informing me they had found my son's car. I am very happy to say they had only taken his speakers. The car was in great shape. Unfortunately I am not sure which Officer from the 16th District called me but I did request their names: M. Codero and H. Lopez.

Needless to say I was not only happy my son's car was found, but it was found in 2 days after filing the report and not sitting on cinder blocks.

I know at this time we do not have a superintendant, but I felt it very necessary to bring it to someone's attention how grateful I am to these Officers for going above and beyond their duty! ! !!

Sincerely,

Linda Poleski

cc: Commander Juan Rivera 25th District

cc: Commander Ralph Price 16th District

Letter of Appreciation for an 18th District Officer

January 16,2007

Office of The Superintendent 3510 S. Michigan Ave. 5th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60653

Dear Superintendent:

This is to commend a police officer by the name of Paul Toner, from the 18th District for going beyond the call of duty.  This officer went out of his way to help my elderly uncle who is 92 years of age seeing that my uncle was by himself in a currency exchange late at night trying to call family members on a phone that was not working properly. This officer went above and beyond the call of duty, he not only evaluated the situation professionally, but took the time to communicate with my uncle . when he saw a need for assistance, helped him, and then called me to let me know that my elderly uncle is alright, and that my uncle would be calling me the next day. On top of that officer Toner drove my uncle home. Officer Toner should be commended for his attitude and the care. I am grateful that officer Toner reached out to my uncle in need when he could have just went about his business and ignored the situation. Officer Toner is a shining example of Chicago's Best.

Please place this letter of appreciation in his personnel file.

Respectfully,

Barbara Fischer

161xx S. Oak Park Ave

Tinley Park

Illinois 60477

EDWARD R. KIRBY & ASSOCIATES, INC

EDWARD R. KIRBY (1919-1991)

STEVEN L. KIRBY, PRESIDENT

JAMES R. KIRBY, VICE PRESIDENT

KEVIN M. READ, CHIEF INVESTIGATOR

JILL M. LONGMIRE, DIR. OF RESEARCH

KAY M. HALL, SR. INVESTIGATOR

OF COUNSEL GLENN P. EIDEN, U.S. CUSTOMS RET.

January 17, 2008

Chicago Police Department

Superintendent Jody Weis

3510 South Michigan Avenue

Dear Superintendent Weis:

Congratulations on your recent appointment as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

I am writing you regarding my recent experience with members of your Area 1 Robbery, Burglary & Theft Team (Unit 610) during an investigation that my office conducted into the wholesale distribution of counterfeit-trademarked goods. My office coordinates trademark enforcement programs in Illinois for Nike, Coach, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Major League Baseball Properties, National Football League Properties and many other trademark owners.

In January of 2008, my office was following up on information we received from Nike regarding the reported wholesale distribution of counterfeit Nike shoes from a storage facility at 1919 West Pershing Road, Chicago, Illinois. My office's preliminary investigation uncovered evidence that two groups of individuals were conducting wholesale distribution of counterfeit-trademarked goods from that address. Upon contacting Area 1 Robbery, Burglary & Theft Team, Detective Thomas E. Beck, was assigned to investigate. Through Detective Beck's investigative efforts and with the assistance of Detective Luis Otero and supervision of Sergeant Antonio Navarrete, Sergeant Greg Jackson, Sergeant Edwin Kaup, and Lieutenant Ricardo Pavon, he requested and received the issuance of five search warrants for various storage lockers at that location. Upon executing these search warrants, Detective Beck confiscated what turned out to be the second largest seizure of counterfeit-trademarked goods in the history of Chicago. In total, over 15,000 pieces of counterfeit product, designed to cheat the everyday customer, as well as the trademark holders, was removed from circulation. My office estimated the total street value of the items seized to be roughly $750,000.

Edward R. Kirby & Associates has been conducting these types of investigations for companies like Nike, Coach, Chanel and Louis Vuitton since the mid 1980's. We have had the privilege of dealing with a number of outstanding police officers in both the City of Chicago and the suburbs. I would like to point out the exemplary assistance, as well as the high level of professionalism exhibited by Detective Beck and the other officers mentioned above. I can say without a doubt that had Detective Beck and his supervisors not shown the level of commitment and professionalism that they did, this case would not have had the successful results that it did. Detective Beck, Detective Otero; Sergeant Navarrete; Sergeant Jackson; Sergeant Kaup and Lieutenant Pavon are a credit to the Chicago Police Department.

I wish you a great deal of success as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours very truly,

James R. Kirby, Vice President

cc: Chanel, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Major League Baseball Properties, National League Football Properties