The Village of Manhattan promoted two police officers at its September 16 board meeting.
“Tonight the board and I reaffirm our commitment to public safety, completing a command structure within the Manhattan Police Department through two key promotions,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen said.
William Garrison was promoted to Commander. He was hired by the Manhattan Police Department in 2021 as a part-time officer and went full-time with the department in 2023. He has more than 25 years’ experience in law enforcement, with a substantial background that includes truck enforcement, SWAT team, field training, and is a graduate of the Northwestern Center for Public Safety, School of Police, Staff, and Command.
“It’s been a tremendous opportunity, and I thank the Village of Manhattan for this time here. I’m humbled and appreciative of the chief and the police department supporting me in this role, and I look forward to doing some good things,” Garrison said.
Officer Bryan Diaz was promoted to the position of Sergeant. The Manhattan Police Department hired him in May 2024, and brings nearly a decade of experience in traffic enforcement, truck enforcement, evidence collection, and field training.
“I’d like to thank everyone here for showing their support today. It’s been a great move coming to Manhattan. From the citizens, the trustees, and the police department, everyone’s had my back and welcomed me. So, I appreciate everything you guys have done for me,” Diaz said.
The two promotions fill gaps in the command structure. Several officers were present to witness the official swearing-in of the officers in their new positions during the board meeting.
“Thank you to the mayor and the board for allowing us to grow our police department and your commitment to public safety. We won’t let you down, and we appreciate your support,” Police Chief Ryan Gulli said.
St. Joseph School Celebrates 100 Years
The village also read a proclamation congratulating and offering gratitude to the historic St. Joseph School for serving the community for 100 years.
“For a century, St. Joe’s Catholic School has been a cornerstone of our community, instilling values and integrity, compassion and leadership, and countless students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions both locally and beyond,” Adrieansen read from the proclamation.
St. Joseph School Principal Colleen Domke offered some words, a prayer, and accepted a plaque presented by the village.
Deacon Patrick Forsythe also was present and spoke about the impact the church and school have had on the Manhattan community. He listed several names from Jack Fitzgerald to Jack Ardaugh and many others who have held important positions and served the community in various ways, including as mayor, trustees, fire chiefs, supervisors, and park district officials.
“Our schools produce teachers and lawyers and doctors and nurses and farmers, businessmen, airline pilots, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators. Many of our alumni have served our country and the military,” Forsythe said
Water Main Extension Approved
The village board unanimously approved a major infrastructure improvement officials hope will spur economic development. The eight-inch sanitary sewer and 12-inch water main will be extended along Rt. 52 between Smith and Gougar Roads.
“Hopefully it’ll attract some new business there because when they buy a property and they have to put a half a million or a million into a water main, it’s not feasible,” Adrieansen commented.
The project was awarded to Spiess Construction, which was the lowest bidder, for $547,449. More than half of the project’s cost will be financed through a DCEO grant awarded by Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, in the amount of $300,000. The remainder of the project’s cost will be recaptured through future development.
“I just think it’s a good project. I mean, I think it’d be good to use this grant money, and it’ll attract more businesses for us,” Trustee Jennifer Bahena stated.
Other Business
Public works will get two new enclosed trailers and a tilt trailer for $32,117 to help promote efficiency while working on projects, particularly with landscaping.
Public Works Supervisor John Tyk said that currently, they have to refill a water tank every 20 minutes when watering new trees or plantings. The purchase of the trailers will enable them to repurpose one into a water trailer, which will allow them to haul 350 gallons, making better use of their time.
John Tyk reported the Well 7 project is well underway with building construction. They still are waiting on some back-ordered equipment, which will delay its completion.
Eastern Avenue construction is underway, and Park Street reconstruction has concluded.
Utility permit fees will increase from $100 to $1,000. Adrieansen explained that the time to complete the permitting process with staff and engineers far exceeds the current $100 fee.
Trustee Clint Boone inquired if this would impact homeowners, to which Adrieansen replied it would be for utility contractors working within the village’s right-of-way and easements. He gave an example of when Comcast was installed in subdivisions. He said it would not impact a homeowner needing to pull permits for a home project.
Before the conclusion of the meeting, the board congratulated St. Joe’s School and the new positions of the police officers, and spoke of the many upcoming events within the village.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.