Orland Police Hold Annual Awards Ceremony At Village Meeting

ORLAND PARK, IL — At the Committee as a Whole meeting in Orland Park, the Orland Park Police Department held its annual awards ceremony in public for the first time.

At Monday night's meeting, Mayor Keith Pekau, Police Chief Joseph Mitchell and Dave O’Connor, Chairman of the Fire and Police Commission gave recognition to officers, employees and civilians by awarding multiple at the Village Hall.

"They do extraordinary things on a daily basis. We are very proud of the job that they do," O'Connor said. "Tonight we are going to provide an additional honor because honor is due to these officers."

O’Connor conducted the swearing in of the following officers at the ceremony:

• Sergeant John Swendsen
• Sergeant Scott Shuster
• Officer Ryan Barth
• Officer Tyler Lindgren

"We have been very fortunate that because of the reputation of our department and the reputation of the village, we have been able to recruit extraordinary candidates who have stepped forward and stepped to the line, and have done extraordinary things in protection of the village," O'Connor said.

Mitchell presented the following officials with promotions, during their pinning:

• Deputy Chief Eric Rossi, joined by family, was promoted to Deputy Chief of Orland Park.
• Commander Ken Rosinski, with family, was promoted to Commander of Investigations.

Pekau gave a speech highlighting achievements made by the OPPD as a whole, as well as stating the crime rate in the village continues to decrease.

"As someone who understands what it's like to go towards trouble and danger, I am awed every day at how all of you go towards trouble. Most people run away from it, you're all trained to step towards it and keep us safe," Pekau said. "I speak on behalf of myself, the village board and all residents of Orland Park, to say how very proud I am to have all of you as part of our police department ... you are the finest police department in the state, if not the country."

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These awards were also distributed on Monday night:

• Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists — This award was presented on behalf of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists in recognition. AAIM Representative Tami O’Brien shared the award with the following officers: Nickolas Eyer, Dennis Leuver, Tyler Lorek, Timothy O’Connell, Nathan O’Connor and Chris Prat.

• Exceptional Service Award — According to the OPPD, this award was given to officers and employees of the Department who have made notable accomplishments, bringing public acclaim to themselves, the department or to the police profession, as a result of training, devotion to duty or service to the public. Officers who received the award include: Tyler Lorek, Gordon Przislicki, Orland Hills Officer Josh Patton and Investigator Scott Prieto.

• Civilian Service Award — Orland Police said this award is presented to a civilian who has stopped a criminal, or put their safety at risk to help others. The award was given to Joseph Donley.

• Distinguished Volunteer Service Award — This award is presented to officers and employees for their voluntary assistance with departmental projects, programs or assignments without compensation. The officers who were given this award are Jeff Hakanson and David Paulus.

• Life Saving Medal Award — This award goes to officers or employees who have saved lives in prompt situations. The officers include: Chris Pratl, Tyler Lorek, Carla Wilson, Kerry Kelly-Valan and Dave Hansen.

• Officer and Civilian Employee of the Year Award — Orland Police said these awards are granted to those who have shown their dedication and professionalism to the highest degree throughout the year. Officer of the Year went to Jaclyn Priede and Civilian of the Year went to Michael Flannery.

As mentioned, this is the first time the OPPD has held its annual awards ceremony at the Village Hall. Mitchell said the department would normally hold the ceremonies in private. The ceremony can be seen below.