During the Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 14, the Hickory Hills Police Department swore in Officer Jeshua Smith, restoring full staffing for the first time in several years.
“It’s been a few,” said Chief Jason Bray, who welcomed Smith as the department’s newest officer in a ceremony attended by city officials and family members.
Smith, 29, brings valuable law enforcement experience from Iowa, joining the department at a pivotal time. Chief Bray, who has led recent recruitment efforts, expressed confidence that Smith’s background and skills will enhance the department as it strengthens community ties.
Born and raised in Iowa, Smith earned an associate degree from Kirkwood Community College before completing a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Iowa in 2020. He met his fiancée, Savanah Nunez, during his studies. Smith later served in the Iowa National Guard from 2021 to 2024 and began his law enforcement career in May 2022 with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, working in the Des Moines suburbs for over two years.
Smith’s relocation to Hickory Hills also marks a homecoming for Nunez, a Countryside, Illinois, native. As they planned their move to the Chicagoland area to be closer to her family, she came across the job opening at the Hickory Hills Police Department. “We took a shot, and the rest is history,” Nunez said.
In his new role, Smith expressed enthusiasm about being closer to family and the opportunities ahead. “It’s been wonderful to be closer to family,” he said. Nunez added that Smith has already started exploring local flavors, becoming a fan of Chicago-style hot dogs from Little Joe’s in Countryside.
Because of his prior law enforcement experience, Smith is exempt from attending the Illinois Police Academy. Instead, he will complete a 118-hour online training program to meet Illinois standards. Chief Bray acknowledged the adjustment period: “The training is quite interesting to watch. I’m sure he’s excited to be done. We anticipate him starting field training in December.”
At the ceremony, Chief Bray emphasized his confidence in Smith’s abilities.
“Staff from his former department have nothing but great things to say about him. I’m sure he’ll be missed there, but we’re happy to welcome him to Hickory Hills.”
The ceremony concluded with Nunez pinning the badge on Smith’s uniform, symbolizing his commitment to serving the community.
Smith’s hiring represents a significant milestone for the department.
“We haven’t had a full house in a few years,” Chief Bray noted. The Hickory Hills Police Department, according to city regulations, includes a Chief of Police, one Deputy Chief, six Lieutenants, four Sergeants, and 19 Patrol Officers, with additional members allowed by City Council approval. With Smith’s hiring, the department reaches its full authorized staffing capacity.
“It’s an exciting time for the department, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds with Officer Smith on our team,” Bray said.