Lombard police officer receives “Achievement of Excellence” award

Joe Menolascino is a 15-year veteran and a truck enforcement specialist assigned to the Lombard Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit. He has been instrumental in securing thousands of dollars in grant funding to support efforts at educating pedestrians and motorists about the dangers associated with railroad crossings. The Village of Lombard sees an average of 4,000 train commuters per day, as well as 50,000 vehicle operators who also cross the tracks.

As part of the efforts which gained him this recognition, Menolascino has passed out more than 10,000 informational safety fliers to children and adults, including on the train platform. He was instrumental in having new railroad safety signs installed in the community and he has organized railroad crossing enforcement campaigns aimed at reducing violations. Additionally, because of his efforts, Lombard became one of the first communities to have suicide prevention information along the railroad tracks.

Lombard Police Chief Ray Byrne commented, “Joe really deserves this award. He has worked tirelessly in so many ways to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries at railroad crossings. We're all very proud of him.”