When Claribel Quintana told Mayor Sean McDermott she wanted to become more involved in the city of Countryside, he kept her in mind.
And when an opening occurred on the city’s fire and police commission board, McDermott gave Quintana a call.
Quintana was more than happy to agree and she was sworn in last month by the mayor to serve on the fire and police commission.
“I have a great deal of respect for first responders, police and firefighters,” she said after her appointment. “I have police in my family. A lot of military personnel as well.”
Quintana, 40, is married with two young children.
“We went to a Countryside event a couple of years ago. My husband was chatting with (McDermott) first. … I mentioned that I’d like to be involved,” she said.
McDermott recalled that meeting and how Quintana “immediately expressed an interest in serving her community, so we’re happy to have her join the police commission.”
“Thank you for your commitment to the community and your willingness to serve. We appreciate it,” the mayor said during the meeting.