A new “officer” received the royal treatment during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night.
Village Clerk Bonnie Price swore in the new officer, a K9 by the name of Garron, who is just over 1 years old. This is the first K9 dog for the Worth Police Department. Worth officers traveled to Pennsylvania and picked up Garron in October of 2024.
Garron was brought back to Illinois where he began a rigorous certification process through the North American Police Work Dog Association. Taking part in the swearing in was Worth Police Officer Christian Ferchau, who is paired with Garron.
“He is doing a lot in the village already,” Price said of Garron.
The Worth Police Department apprehended several individuals in connection with a shooting that took place Monday afternoon. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in a parking lot in the 10600 block of South Depot Street. Upon arrival, officers located two vehicles that sustained gunshots and a nearby shell casing, according to reports.
Following an investigation, Worth police, with the assistance of partner agencies, identified and detained several suspects, a firearm, and shell casings believed to be involved in the incident.
Charges are pending following the results of DNA analysis and further forensic examination, according to police.
Garron was also credited for taking part in the arrests by helping to canvass the area.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case can contact the Worth police, 708-448-3979.
Werner read a proclamation at the meeting in honor of William “Stogie” Conway, who turns 100 years old on March 15. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the village for 35 years, with eight of those years serving as the fire chief.
The mayor grew emotional as she pointed out that Conway purchased the village’s first two modern fire engines for the Worth Fire Department. Conway also served as the director of the Worth Credit Union.
Werner said that March 15 will be declared Bill Conway Day in the village.
Trustee Pete Kats, who is the chair of the public safety committee, said that over 50 applicants took the test to become a Worth police officer on Saturday.
“I think out of that total we will have some very good candidates,” Werner said.
Several ordinances are being tabled for revisions and further discussion. The Worth Police Department will appoint three members to the Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force.
The board did vote down a proposal from Outfront Media to change the faces of the current digital billboard sign at 11452 S. Ridgeland Ave. Trustees believed that adding to the illuminated sign — which changes every 10 seconds — are too bright for neighbors who live near it.
Werner then mentioned a series of activities and events coming up. Fish fry dinners will be offered from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, March 7, through April 18, at Water’s Edge Bar & Grill, 7205 W. 115th St. No reservations are required.
Fish frys will also take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, through March 28, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.
The annual Worth FOP Polar Plunge will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in the parking lot of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post. Proceeds will go for the Illinois Special Olympics. Werner said $26,000 was raised last year.