Stickney’s K9 officer Ali comes home as Real Deal top dog

By Carol McGowan 

A large trophy sat on a front table at last week’s Village of Stickney regular board meeting, along with a smaller trophy in the shape of a paw.

Towards the end of the meeting, Stickney Police Chief James Sassetti explained that they were given to K9 Ali that past weekend.

Ali and his handler, Officer Rebecca Maday, participated in a three-day seminar with Real Deal Dog Training.

There was no cost to the Stickney Police Department, or the village, thanks to a sponsorship from Charged Up K9, based out of Newark, Illinois, which is where the seminar was held.

Newark is 50 miles southwest of Stickney.

Real Deal Dog Training is based out of Los Angeles and focuses on obedience, protection training, service dog training, and more.

Ali and Officer Maday participated in real life scenarios.  All of them were based on situations that have happened, so it was a true learning experience.

Sassetti brought up Maday and Ali, and told everyone that at the end of the seminar, two awards were to be given out.

One was for “Best Dog,” for overall performance though out the weekend.

The other, for the “Realist Dog,” was for understanding situations.

The judges were five of the participants of the seminar.

Chief Sassetti was proud to announce that Ali won both of the awards.

Sassetti, Mayor Jeff Walik, Village Trustees and everyone in the audience congratulated and thanked Maday and Ali on their awards, and their service.

In village business, the board approved an ordinance authorizing and approving the assignment of a redevelopment agreement for 3800 Cicero Avenue.

Walik described it as doing some clean-up and housekeeping.

A resolution was passed authorizing and approving a Certified Water System Operator contract by and between Walter Dowling and the Village of Stickney.

Clerk Audry McAdams received approval for the schedule of 2024 Regular Board Meeting dates, and 2024 Village of Stickney Holiday Schedule.

Trustee Sam Savopoulos said that applications will be available for the 50/50 Sidewalk Program. The more who sign-up, the more reasonable the cost.

Trustee Mitchell Milenkovic thanks those who donated to Operation Save Our Troops.  The collection box that’s been in the lobby of village hall will soon be picked up.

Trustee Lea Torres made note that the village Christmas Senior Party and Kids Party for residents was coming up and hoped to see many there.

Public Works Director Joe Lopez said the leaf program and yard waste collection was finishing up for the season.  He mentioned that the streets that were under construction have been paved, and striping should be done soon.

Fire Chief Jeff Boyajian reminded everyone to not overload extension cords and power strips. Make sure to plug space heaters into the wall, and not into an extension cord.  Keep space heaters away from curtains and bedding.  Be sure keep candles at least one foot away from any object and never leave them burning unattended.