The new year welcomes a new fire chief and assistant fire chief for Evergreen Park.
Corey Hojek officially became the new fire chief during a brief ceremony at the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. Hojek replaces Ron Kleinhaus, who retired last month after serving as chief since 2007 and had been affiliated with the department for 50 years.
Hojek has been a member of the Evergreen Park Fire Department for 44 years. He was joined at the meeting with his wife, Linda, and children, Haley and Corey Jr. He also has three grandchildren.
Robert Murphy becomes the new assistant fire chief and was also honored at the board meeting. He has been a member of the Evergreen Park Fire Department for 35 years. His wife and family were also present at the meeting.
A large crowd of relatives and members of the fire department attended the meeting. Kleinhaus was also in attendance. The new chiefs received a rousing applause after receiving their pins.
“We are grateful and so lucky to have two professionals who could take over,” said Mayor Kelly Burke.
Police commendations
Police Chief Michael Saunders requested that members of his department receive commendations for taking part in the arrest of two offenders who had reportedly committed a crime initially in Orland Park.
The officers were recognized for “Outstanding Performance of Duty” following the arrest that took place on Dec. 27. The Chicago Police Department 22nd District broadcasted that officers required assistance at 111th and Pulaski to stop the driver and passenger of a vehicle who reportedly committed burglaries in Orland Park.
The driver of the vehicle evaded CPD units from that location, according to police.
“These officers collaborated in unison to safely and effectively remove two extremely dangerous and armed subjects who posed a clear and present danger to the citizens in several jurisdictions during the course of their actions,” Burke said.
Receiving recognition were officers Erick Cervantes, Manfred Quetee, Dennis Lazinek, Caleb Davila, Rigoberto Guzman and Sean Coffey, Tactical Lieutenant Adam Zimmer, Sergeant Luciano Salazar II, Detective Sergeant Piotr BIelanski, detectives Brian Sarno, Brian Schleder, Raul Arroyo and Jonathan Truell, and tactical officers Sydney Smiley, Benjamin Vos and David Phillips.
Along with the Chicago police, officers from Orland Park and Hometown also assisted in the arrest.
Employee of the Year
Mike Butler, a member of the Evergreen Park Public Works Department, was selected as the “Employee of the Year” for 2024. Butler was voted in for the honor by village employees.
Butler was honored for his commitment and efforts in organizing the tree planting project for the village. He was responsible for having 100 trees planted earlier in the year and another 100 during the fall.
Gavin Yeaman, director of the public works department, said that Butler had elevated the department with his actions and he is an “extremely effective communicator.”
His wife, Maggie; son, Mikey, and his parents were in attendance. Butler received a plaque and a gift card to a local business from Burke during the meeting.
Burke also mentioned during the meeting that the Daniel Capuano Ice Rink, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave., is now open for the season. Hours of operation will dependi on the weather. More information can be obtained by calling 708-229-3373.
Burke will present her “State of the Village” address during the Senior Council Luncheon, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. To register, call 708-422-8776.
The Evergreen Park Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave., will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. The village board meeting will be moved to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.
The annual Flake Fest will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Daniel Capuano Ice Rink with a free open skate being offered.
The OSF Little Company of Mary Crystal Heart Ball will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Field Museum. Contact the OSF HealthCare Foundation at 708-229-5447 for more information.