![MITCHELL Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell had good news to report about crime in 2021 except for weapons arrests. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MITCHELL-1-1024x678.jpg)
Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell had good news to report about crime in 2021 except for weapons arrests. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)
Many crimes down in Orland, but weapons arrests concerning
By Jeff Vorva
Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell had mostly good news when revealing the village’s 2021 crime statistics.
But one glaring area that has him bothered is the number of unlawful use of a weapon arrests that have been shooting up. Mitchell and Mayor Keith Pekau attribute it to felons from other towns who should not be on the street coming into the village.
Mitchell gave the village board an update at the Jan. 17 Committee of the Whole meeting and said his officers made 71 firearms arrests in 2021 – one arrest every five days.
In 2019 and 2020, the average arrest per seven days was well below one. In 2021, it ballooned to close to 1.5 per week.
Mitchell said 17 offenders had prior gun arrests or convictions at the time of their arrest. Eight offenders were out on bond on an OPPD weapons arrest and committed new offenses while out on those bonds.
Stolen motor vehicle totals were up slightly from 28 in 2020 to 31 in 2021.
On a positive note, total index crimes – criminal homicide, robbery, aggravated assault/battery, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft – have gone down 9 percent from 691 to 628.
That number is also the lowest in the past 26 years. The high-water mark was 1,630 in 2011.
Property crimes were down from 666 to 609.
Violent crimes were down from 25 to 19.
Michell credited his staff, state-of-the-art technology, a supportive village board and community engagement as some of the reasons for the positive results.
A Youth Supervision Program at Orland Square Mall implemented in April saw retail theft at that facility go down. There were 265 individuals banned from the mall and 10,542 unaccompanied youth denials from April 1 through Dec. 31.
Honor roll
Several members of the Orland Park Police Department were honored at the meeting.
Investigator Kystina Fitzgibbon was named Officer of the Year for 2021. She deals with juvenile cases, sex assault cases and domestic-related cases.
“She possessed great communication skills and special investigate skills,” OPPD Commander Eric Rossi said. “She is always willing to assist officers and investigators with cases. She will answer the call to assist any time between day and night. She always shows extreme dedication and passion.
“Her cases are extremely complex and sensitive regards minors to the elderly. She spends countless hours working on these difficult cases that result in the arrest of many offenders.”
Glenn Jelley was named Civilian of the Year.
Medals of Valor were presented to officers Paul Goewey, Naser Zayed, Zach Grutzius, Jim Heramb and Matt Mungia.
Officer Chris Pratl earned a Grand Cordon, officers Gordon Przislicki and Angelo Renardo were honored with Life Saving awards and investigators Scott Prieto and Ronald Ahrendt won awards for exceptional service.
Oscar Yanes and Fuad Abdel were given Civilian Service awards.
Men, women and a dog were given unit citations for teamwork.
That list featured officers Michael Benjamin, Grutzius, Nate O’Connor, Kevin Catchings, Jonathan Basinski, Carla Wilson, Przislicki, Tyler Lorek, Rebecca Adamczyk, Goewey, Shawn Walsh, Mark Kenn, TCO William Michalek, K9 officer Joe Zumerling and K9 Maverick.
Kerry Kelly-Valan was promoted to sergeant and was sworn in at the meeting.
Neighborhood Watch program
Continuing with the police theme, the OPPD officially unveiled its new Orland Park Neighborhood Watch program, which was previewed in the Jan. 13 Regional News.
The program is an opportunity for citizens to assist in crime prevention and identification of those responsible for crimes committed in Orland Park by registering outdoor home monitoring cameras with the village.
“This program is great because we are utilizing resources that already exist in the community,” Mitchell said. “So many residents and business owners have approached us to ask how they can help. This is a great way to partner with the Orland Park Police Department by utilizing cameras to deter and combat local crime.”
Registration is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. The Police Department will not have direct access to cameras, nor are registrants obligated to provide video, if asked.
“The Orland Park community has always been helpful in assisting with crime prevention by reporting suspicious activity, making sure their property is secure and by continuously partnering with the police department in an effort to maintain a safe environment,” said Mitchell. “This is just another way to help.”
For more information and to register visit orlandpark.org/watch.
Local News
![dog-outside-cold-weather-433739 dog-outside-cold-weather-433739](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dog-outside-cold-weather-433739.jpg)
Cook County Animal and Rabies Control offers pet safety tips
Spread the loveParts of Cook County could see up to 12 inches of snow over the next day as a winter storm moves across the area starting tonight. Cold weather creates hazardous conditions for residents and their pets. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reminds residents to take special precautions to keep…
![car weather safety kit car weather safety kit](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/car-weather-safety-kit.jpg)
Winter storm could bring heavy snowfall
Spread the loveParts of Cook County could see up to 12 inches of snow over the next day as a winter storm moves across the area starting tonight. The county’s Department of Transportation and Highways is monitoring conditions and has resources on standby to keep the 1,500 lane miles the county maintains, safe for drivers.…
![POLK 911 Police Commissioner Dan Polk said, "We want to advertise this service, let people know about it" and get the word out in the community. (File photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/POLK-911-1024x678.jpg)
Polk insists residents should use 9-1-1 when they need help
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva With snowstorms and bad weather hitting the area, first responders and 9-1-1 operators are taxed and stretched out. But Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk said that should not deter people from calling 9-1-1. He insists on it. At the Jan. 24 village council meeting, Polk made a passionate speech…
![NOLTING MASK MANDATE2 District 230 Supt. Robert Nolting said 145 districts across the state involved in a lawsuit are waiting a judge’s decision. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NOLTING-MASK-MANDATE2-1024x703.jpg)
District 230 waits for judge’s decision on mask mandates
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Stagg and Sandburg students, parents and teachers are awaiting the decision of a Sangamon County judge to find out if there is any change in the mask mandate. District 230 was one of 145 districts in the state taken to court by parents who are against the mandate and believe…
![thumbnail_LIHWAP FLYER thumbnail_LIHWAP FLYER](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/thumbnail_LIHWAP-FLYER-791x1024.jpg)
Summit approves deal with CEDA for water assistance
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Help may be on the way for some Summit residents that have trouble paying their water bills. The Summit Village Board recently approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement by, and between the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County. It’s a vendor agreement for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance…
![dvn grace, neddermeyer and wife willow springs Ryan Grace, the new village administrator, with Willow Springs mayor Melissa Neddermeyer (center), and Meghan Grace, his wife, after his Jan. 27 hiring. (Photos by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/dvn-grace-neddermeyer-and-wife-willow-springs-1024x911.jpg)
Willow Springs hires Grace as village administrator
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Citing his experience in Lyons, Willow Springs Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer said Ryan Grace was the best of five finalists interviewed for the job of village administrator. Grace, 38, had been public works director in Lyons the past four years, working on a wide range of village issues and events in…
![charisma Ehresman Charisma Ehresman](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/charisma-Ehresman-1.jpg)
Body of missing Forest View woman found
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The search for 20-year-old Charisma Ehresman of Forest View is over. The body of the young woman was found Friday evening in her vehicle in Chicago’s South Austin neighborhood, on the city’s west side, which borders Oak Park. The car had apparently been there for several days. The Cook County…
![Capture 3 Members of the Heritage Middle School Cheer Team at their recent competition. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Capture-3-1024x640.png)
Heritage Middle School cheer team takes first
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Congratulations are in order for the Heritage Middle School Cheer Team. The team competed for the first time on Saturday, January 15, at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont and took first place. It was a huge accomplishment for the team and Summit School District 104 is very proud of…
![EAGLEBOWL Sandburg’s boys bowling just missed bringing home a trophy but had its best showing ever at the state meet. Photo courtesy of Sandburg High School](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/EAGLEBOWL-e1643595565816.png)
Area Sports Roundup: Sandburg bowls ’em over at state; Marist cheerleaders win sectional
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Is there a state trophy coming for the Sandburg boys bowling team in the future? With this unpredictable sport, that’s hard to predict. But after a fourth-place finish in the IHSA state tournament, held Jan. 28-29 at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon, the needle is pointing up. The…
![EP1 Evergreen Park’s competitive dance team shows intensity while finishing sixth in Class 1A in the state dance competition on Saturday in Bloomington. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/EP1-1024x628.jpg)
Intense dance performance nets Evergreen Park sixth place at state finals
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Actual competitive dancing returned to the state level this year and Evergreen Park’s dancers couldn’t be happier. The Mustangs are on the rise, and the team enjoyed its highest state finish by placing sixth in Class 1A in the IHSA state meet held Jan. 28-29 at Grossinger Motors…
Neighbors
![CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624 Thanks to Niego Real Estate, block after block in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are decked out each year in red, white and blue. Residents are asked to volunteer to pick up flags and decorate their whole block—or even additional blocks. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624-768x1024.jpg)
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…
![dvn 6-24-24 Alan_Morales Alan Morales](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-24-24-Alan_Morales.jpg)
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MaryStanek-768x1024.jpg)
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
![NAEHER Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NAEHER-1024x712.jpg)
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
![Dana RETTKE Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RETTKE.jpg)
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…