Keyser promoted to police sergeant in Bridgeview

By Steve Metsch

After 24 years working on the Bridgeview Police Department, Kenneth Keyser finally has the job he’s been waiting for.

Keyser, 49, was promoted to sergeant at the May 4 meeting of the village board.

He’ll be in charge of the midnight shift, starting at 10 p.m. and working until 6 a.m. But he doesn’t mind one bit.

“It’s an acquired taste, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it,” he said with a laugh.

Being a police officer is something he’s wanted to do since he was a kid living in Oak Lawn.

“Since I was probably 6. We had an Oak Lawn cop who lived in the neighborhood, by my grandparents’ house. He was always good with the kids in the neighborhood. That made we want to do that and be a cop,” Keyser said.

He and his family lived in Oak Lawn until they moved to Bridgeview when he was 7 years of age.

Asked about memorable moments, he shrugged.

“Just. You know. I was in investigations for the past year, handled some property crime stuff that came my way and I assisted with other (law enforcement) agencies handling their major crimes,” Keyser said.

“I’ve never had to point my weapon,” he added.

Asked what he enjoys about the job, Keyser said: “Being able to do my part and help as many people as I can. I know that’s the standard answer.”

A graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School, he earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice at Moraine Valley, and then spent four years as a Marine.

Keyser served one year in the Philippines and three years at Camp Pendleton in California. He also spent time in Somalia.

“I’ve led an interesting life,” he said.

Keyser and wife Tina live in Bridgeview.

In other business, the board appointed Daniel Barron as a police officer. Barron did not attend the meeting.

The board also appointed Paul Gregory as a firefighter/paramedic.

The board by a 4-0 vote – trustees Mary Sutton and Norma Pinion were not present – approved spending $68,880 for a new pump at the pump station. The pump is being purchased from Metropolitan Pump Company, based in Romeoville.

“Once we get that in place, we’ll be able to start working on the other parts of our water system, to make sure everybody has their water when they turn their faucets on,” said Trustee James Cecott, who oversees public works.

The board also unanimously approved paying Imperial Surveillance, based in Arlington Heights, $134,720 for a new electronic entry system.

The system will be used by employees at the water treatment plant, fire station, EMA center, community center and SeatGeek Stadium.

The current system, Trustee Michael Pticek said, can be easily breached by buying a card on the Internet.

“This is an upgrade,” Pticek said. “The last time we had this system (installed) was 16 years ago.”

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for noon May 18.