Small gesture makes large impact on Palatine police

Posted December 27, 2014 12:01 am

Submitted by Palatine Police Department

Palatine resident Brian DeValk and his young daughter Jolie BreAnn DeValk braved the cool damp weather Christmas Eve to make a statement.

For more than an hour, the two stood in front of the Palatine police station, 595 N. Hicks Road, holding signs saying; "We Support Police" and "Honk if You Do Too!"

DeValk said that he was troubled by all the negative exposure law enforcement was getting in the media. After talking with his daughter, they decided to make signs and make their presence known. Jolie BreAnn said that a lot of people honked while she stood by Hicks Road outside the police station.

As Deputy Chief Bradley Grossman drove by the station, he noticed the pair standing on the sidewalk and shared the information with department members.

As word spread through the station, members of the police department streamed outside to show their thanks and appreciation. DeValk said that the majority of the population supports the police and those on the news are a very small portion of the population.

"It's humbling to see residents come out on their own time, stand in the cold weather and not be afraid to let people know that they support their local police department," said Chief Alan Stoeckel.

Palatine police let Jolie BreAnn DeValk check out a police car after she marched outside the headquarters carrying a sign supporting the police. She said a lot of people honked in support. Courtesy Palatine Police Department

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