The Chicago Ridge Village Board celebrated the long career of Police Officer Ken Norbut and his K-9 officer Thor with a retirement ceremony during the March 25 meeting.
Thor was not in attendance, but Norbut, who grew up in Chicago Ridge, was celebrated for his service to the community for more than 25 years.
“Going through my phone to find photos for your retirement party gave me a chance to reflect on the time we spent together. You knocked it out of the park. From starting the Special Olympics (police team) here and your time with the state police, you have really given back to the community you serve,” said Trustee Andrew Siegel, leading the crowd in the first of many rounds of applause. “You’re well respected by everyone. You really did a good job and we are going to miss you.”
“I have been with this guy a long time,” said Police Chief Jim Jarolimek, who noted that Norbut started his law enforcement career with stints in the Calumet Park, Hazel Crest and Posen police departments before joining the Chicago Ridge Department. “When you were with the Illinois State Police narcotics investigative team, you took a ton of drugs off the street and you got tens of thousands of dollars, much of which were returned to the community,”
“You did great with the community, joining the Lions Club, the Polish American Police Association, and adopting families and going shopping with them each Christmas. That was a blast,” said Jarolimek, crediting Norbut with raising thousands of dollars for Special Olympics as well. “I love you and I am going to miss you,” said the chief, giving him a warm hug.
“We have some parting gifts,” said Mayor Jack Lind, as Norbut was handed a black bag. “There are some chew toys in there for Thor, and a watch for you. You better check the box to make sure the watch is really there,” he joked. “On behalf of the board, we appreciate the work you have done and you are going to be missed.”
After shaking hands with all the board members, Norbut went to the microphone to say a few words.
“I grew up in Chicago Ridge. I remember seeing the old blue and white police cars as I walked around, going to football and baseball practice with Our Lady of the Ridge. I never thought I would ride in one but I fell in love with being a police officer. It meant a lot being a police officer in the village I grew up in. It meant the world to me,” said Norbut, his voice cracking with emotion. “It is important to give back to the community. We don’t serve ourselves, we serve the community. They are our bosses,” he said. “I have spent 25 years here with the police department. That is half my life. Walking away from the place I grew up is difficult. But this will always be home to me,” he concluded to a standing ovation.
Later in the meeting, the trustees unanimously endorsed a proclamation that Lind introduced naming April 7 as Little Palestine Day. This coincides with April being Arab-American Heritage Month. Neighboring communities of Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Bridgeview passed the same resolution. The section of Harlem Avenue that stretched through all four suburbs is the main business district of the area informally known as Little Palestine.
“By formally recognizing Little Palestine Day, we aim to enhance cultural awareness and solidarity among residents, engaging the broader community in celebrating the rich heritage of the Arab-American community,” said President Rush Darwish, of the Arab-American Business and Professional Association, in a letter sent to mayors asking for the designation. He said it would recognize the cultural significance of Little Palestine, noting that this area of southwest Cook County has the largest Palestinian community in the United States.