Chief Rogers Honored with "Patriotic Employer" Award

At a recent city council meeting, Chicago Heights Police Chief Thomas Rogers was recognized for his consistent support of the National Guard and Reserves. Residents, friends and families were present as John Carlson, a Field Service volunteer for the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve and retired Lieutenant Colonel, presented Chief Rogers with the Patriotic Employer Award. This award is presented to employers who embody the “Patriotic Employer” model through their continued support of employees enlisted in National Guard and Reserve.
According to the Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve, the Patriotic Employer Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.
Chief Rogers was not the only member of the CHPD to be recognized that evening as seven new CHPD officers were officially sworn in.

Pictured Left to Right: Officer Allen Rinchich, Officer John Beck, Officer Angelo Curtis, Chief Thomas Rogers, (center) Mayor Gonzalez, Officer Alexander Stoterau, Officer Kevin Pawlak, Officer Peter Stygar, and Officer Lenin Gamero.

CHPD Receives Grant for new Laptops

The City of Chicago Heights Police Department was awarded $119,000.00 through the Illinois Department of Transportation State and Community Highway Safety Program grant. The award is designated for the purchase of crash and weather resistant laptops to implement a mobility program for submitting accident reports.

The new laptop computers will enable CHPD officers to complete and submit accident reports electronically, ensuring the timeliness, accuracy and productivity for the department as a whole.

Community Service Officer

Chief Rogers has announced the creation of a new Community Service Officer position in the Chicago Heights Police Department. The CSO is a civilian position that will act as a community liaison between residents and law enforcement.
The Community Service Officer position will assist with non-emergency resident concerns and animal control issues.

Mayor Gonzalez Announces Major Revitalization Plans

Mayor Gonzalez made an exciting announcement at a recent city council meeting. The City of Chicago Heights has been awarded a US Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant!
Funded through HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative and in partnership with HACC, this $350,000 grant is designed to create a development plan for the revitalization of the East side and downtown neighborhoods.

Updates and further details will be shared on the city's website during the implementation process.

Another Round of Grant Funding Secured

Mayor Gonzalez also announced another successful application to obtain funding from IDHA under the third round application process of the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Program (APP R3). The $250,000 award from the APP grant is to assist with costs incurred during the maintenance or demolition of vacant and abandoned residential properties.

Chicago Heights Police Department’s K9 Cap to get body armor

Chicago Heights Police Department’s K9 Cap will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Cap’s vest is sponsored by Elizabeth Holota of Spring Lake, NJ and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
For more information, visit their website www.vik9s.org.

Bloom 206 Educators Lead Discussion on Improving College Readiness

On Sunday, February 18, Bloom 206 Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Norrell and Bloom Trail High School English Teacher Joe Malizia presented at the Midwestern Regional Forum.

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Union Street Art Gallery Derby Day

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Vietman War and Historical Memory--Prairie State College

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