Evergreen Park Police Chief Michael Saunders prefers to avoid the spotlight but a local organization had other ideas.
The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce honored Police Chief Michael Saunders as the “Citizen of the Year” during the organization’s annual holiday luncheon Friday at St. Xavier University in Chicago.
Dr. Laura Shallow, the first vice president and past president of the chamber, had been told that Saunders would not be receptive to receiving an award and preferred to perform his duties anonymously.
But Shallow was persistent and believed that Saunders should receive his due.
“I kept at it and he finally accepted,” said Shallow, who said she has known Saunders since he was a village auxiliary police officer directing traffic at 95th and Western back in 1976.
Saunders was promoted in 1977 by the department and joined the tactical unit in 1981. Shallow said that he climbed the ranks and became a detective. In 1993, he attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and received extensive law enforcement training.
He was also a member of the SWAT team for eight years. Saunders was promoted to police chief in 2000. Shallow said that he has been active in various organizations over the years and supports community endeavors.
But what stands out about Saunders, Shallow added, is that he supports everything about Evergreen Park from the schools and local organizations.
“He is a great police officer and a great person,” Shallow told the audience of business and community leaders. “He is an unselfish person in every way. He accepted this honor not for himself but for his officers and his team. He has a very good heart. He cares about God, family, and community.”
Saunder’s commitment to Evergreen Park began early. He moved to the village when he was in high school and attended Evergreen Park Community High School.
“His philosophy is to treat people with respect,” Shallow said. “He is a wonderful human being.”
Mayor Kelly Burke also had nothing but praise for the veteran police chief.
“It’s not easy to be a police officer,” Burke said. “It never has been, especially the last 15 years. He is a good person who cares.”
Saunders was overwhelmed by the kind words but gathered himself enough to say his philosophy is due in large part to his parents, who taught him the importance of community and compassion.
“A special thanks goes to my family and friends,” Saunders said. “I also want to say that I’ve served under three mayors (Anthony Vacco, Jim Sexton and Burke) who have given us flawless dedication.”
He also thanked the village board, business and community leaders, school districts, police and firefighters, and the public works department.
“I also want to thank OSF Little Company of Mary,” Saunders said. “It’s a comfort to have an institution that cares so much. For the police, this is a comfort.”
Frank Murray, director of the Evergreen Public Library and last year’s Citizen of the Year, then presented the plaque to Saunders. He was then joined for a group photo with members of the chamber and the mayor.
Burke also swore in the new chamber officers for 2026.
New president
Percy Allen, of MEP Exterminating and a longtime member of the chamber, was selected as the organization’s new president for 2026. He will be replacing outgoing president Elizabeth Lawler, of OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center.
Allen mentioned that he was a member of the Chicago Police Department for 25 years.
“I’m going to give you the best that I got,” Allen said.
He then surprised both Lawler and Shallow with roses to thank them for their service to the chamber. He was assisted in that effort by his daughter, Pyeisha Allen, who is the director of the Evergreen Park Youth Commission.
He also praised Saunders for his service as police chief.
“I have the utmost appreciation for Michael Saunders as a person and a man,” he said.
Allen then turned his focus to the chamber for next year.
“Let’s all work together,” he said.
