By Karen Haave
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Monee was launched five years ago in an effort to give local police officers a boost in morale.
Apparently the event, hosted by Tracey and John Henson, has achieved its goal each year.
Just ask the guys at Monee PD.
“Once again, Trustee John Henson and his wife, Tracy, have gone above and beyond with their support for law enforcement and especially Monee PD,” Chief Scott Koerner said.
“For the past several years, they have sponsored the “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” in Monee. And every year it gets bigger and better. Their support and enthusiasm are contagious. It may be a police appreciation event, but we are also very very appreciative of the Henson family’s efforts. Not very many communities can say they enjoy the support we do in Monee. And John and Tracy are the leaders in that department. “
Sgt. Daniel DePaolo agreed.
“John and Tracey’s unwavering dedication and support for the Monee Police Department is truly commendable,” he said.
“Their selfless commitment to volunteering much of their own time for LEAD in Monee and bringing the community together to support law enforcement is a morale booster. This is not only a morale booster for MPD, but for police officers from other jurisdictions, who also attend the event.”
“I was able to attend the LEAD event yesterday,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Lazzaroni.
“What a great event! John and Tracy did an amazing job putting LEAD day together, and I can’t thank them enough!”
Held at the Fireman’s Park Pavilion, it featured a police officers’ raffle, a silent auction, and a Blue Line Parade.
“We honored the 10 officers who died in the line of duty in Illinois in 2024, by reading their names aloud and having a memorial wall for them at the event for viewing,” John Henson noted.
“This year, we had LEAD in Monee t-shirts for sale, and 100 percent of the proceeds are going to the Officer Down Memorial page, along with the other money raised.
“Monee Police Officer Stephen Crescenti and his daughter, Gabriella Crescenti, did 165 push-ups, 165 squats, and 165 dips to honor the 165 officers we lost in 2024. Officer Crescenti was also wearing a 20-pound weighted vest while doing them.
“Officer Crescenti has done this for all of the five years we have had LEAD.”
Crete P.D. comfort K-9 Lilly and her handler Sgt. Anthony Konvalinka made a surprise special appearance.
The event is entirely funded by donations and support from friends and community members, the Hensons said. This year, that came from: Animal Wellness Center of Monee, Dr. Therese M. Bogs, Straight Home Bar & Grill, Sheepdog Firearms Academy, Schoop’s Hamburgers (Monee), Gina’s Motorsports of Monee, Indian Motorcycles of Monee, South Suburban Mitsubishi, Brian’s Place, Distinguished Designs and Print, Embassy Security Group (Chicago), Rhonda’s Creations, RWK I.T. Services, Mark Ruhnke from One Step Print, Napa Auto Parts, D&D Metal, Monee Historical Society, Heidi Gonzalez, Michael Wilson, Scott Youdris, Chuck and Kristen Rakis, and Bill Barnes.
The Hensons also named volunteers Dianna Kroll, Chad and Ryann Simpson, Mike and Mandy Larson, Maurice Simmons, Jude Knabe, and Norm and Thomas Flaig as indispensable to the success of the event.
“Special thanks to the Monee Emergency Management Agency for their help and support through the years, both for LEAD in Monee and our law enforcement community,” Henson added.
The date for next year’s LEAD in Monee already is set: May 16.
“Tracey and I started LEAD five years ago to help keep morale up and show our deep appreciation for the law enforcement community in some dark times for them,” he said.
“It’s now been five years, and our day of appreciation still is going strong. I am so thankful for the donations, volunteerism, support, and over all love this and the surrounding communities have given its heartwarming.
“When you see an officer out and about, give a wave or a thank you. See you all next year, and thank you.”