Members of the Evergreen Park police and fire departments were recognized Monday night for acts of valor that went beyond the call of duty during the past month.
Several members of the police department were honored for Outstanding Performance of Duty on Oct. 2. Evergreen Park police units responded to a report of someone driving a vehicle into on-coming traffic in the vicinity of 95th and Troy.
During the course of the traffic stop, police suspected the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. As the driver exited his vehicle for a field sobriety test, it was observed that he had a handgun in his waistband, according to police.
Police also said the driver did not have a license to conceal and carry the weapon. The handgun was confiscated and the man was taken into custody.
“The officers involved in this incident removed a dangerous driver who was physically impaired and in possession of a deadly weapon from our streets,” said Mayor Kelly Burke during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. “Their dedication to duty and to public safety is well noted in this case.”
Detective Schleder and officers Keller, Higgins and Smiley were all recognized for their response to what could have been a dangerous encounter.
Several officers were also recognized for their quick actions on Oct. 10. Police responded to what they had determined was a suspicious individual near 88th and Mozart. The person was reportedly rummaging through a pickup truck. The subject ignored officers and resisted arrest and attempted to flee, police said.
Once restrained, the officers determined that the man had gone through multiple vehicles and had stolen various items from inside them, according to reports.
“This was a dangerous situation that each officer responded to with professionalism and valor considering the potential hazard of a suspect resisting arrest while in possession of a loaded firearm, and while in the commission of felony acts,” Burke said.
Detective Schleder was again recognized for his efforts, along with officers Keller, Wantroba and Kurschner.
Police Chief Michael Saunders recommended the commendations and the Evergreen Park Board gave their unanimous approval.
Fire Chief Ron Kleinhaus contacted the board to honor fire department personnel who responded to an emergency EMS call. Captain Paul Battaglia made the recommendation after receiving information from Dr. Bernie Heilieser, the system medical director.
Members of the fire department responded to an incident that occurred on Sept. 28 in which they successfully resuscitated an 8-year-old child who suffered cardiac arrest. The quick actions of the fire department ended up saving the child, Kleinhaus said.
Cub Scout Troop 3637 out of Queen of Martyrs attended the board meeting. Burke gave them a brief tour of Village Hall and allowed them to sit in the seats that would soon be occupied by the trustees. One of the scouts had an opportunity to use the gavel.
George Peso, who is the chairman of the Evergreen Park Historical Commission, briefly talked to the scouts, showing them a phone dating back to 1915 that was used in the village.
Both Burke and Peso told the youngsters that Evergreen Park was incorporated as a village in 1893. The mayor also showed the scouts written records from meetings in the village that dated back to 1904.
The board approved the special use permit for the operation of a service station with food service at 8801 S. Kedzie Ave. The board also approved a Class BL liquor license for The Bead Bar by Mozaique, 3408 W. 95th St.
A second facility for Core physical fitness will be open for business at 10224 S. Kedzie. Owner Diane Fidler said the facility will provide physical therapy and sports performance. Another facility is located at 2940 W. 95th St.
A public hearing to permit the construction and operation of a residential apartment on the second floor of a commercial building at 9340 S. Kedzie Ave. will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at the Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave.
“Spooky Stories” with Shadow Shell will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
The annual Halloween Parade will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Sexton Park, 9100 S. Rockwell.
Trick-or-treat hours
And Burke proclaimed “Halloween in the Village of Evergreen Park” for Thursday, Oct. 31. Trick-or-treat hours will be held from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Halloween.
“Hoping for good weather and for a lot of fun for the kiddies,” Burke said.