Jovanny Almanza, 31, brings seven years of Chicago law enforcement experience to his new role in McCook. He was sworn in by Police Commissioner Dan Foy as the newest member of the village’s police department during a board meeting on Dec. 16.
“Perfect. The best Christmas gift ever,” Almanza said after the ceremony.
For the past seven years, Almanza worked in prisoner detention at the Chicago Lawn District on the city’s Southwest Side. The job was especially demanding during weekends and summer months, he said.
While he enjoyed his work in Chicago, Almanza was ready for a new challenge. “I just figured it’s time to move on—to advance my law enforcement career,” he said.
His journey to McCook is the next step in a lifelong dream. “I’ve always wanted to be a police officer,” Almanza said. “It’s time for me to make my move.”
A Chicago native, Almanza graduated from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and took classes at Harold Washington College. He and his wife, who have a 10-month-old son, recently made the transition to McCook.
Almanza will begin a 14-week training program at the police academy on Jan. 6 to prepare for his new position as a patrol officer.
Police Chief Jeremy Carr praised Almanza’s qualifications, calling him a strong addition to the department. “He’s a great candidate. He comes to us with the (prisoner) detention aspect of it. He wants to learn. We are lucky to have him,” Carr said.
After the meeting, McCook Mayor Terrance Carr added humor to the occasion, telling Almanza, “You got six votes. The last guy only got four.”