Prospect Heights police assist in youth outreach programs

City of Prospect Heights police officers, city employees, aldermen and volunteers offered their time July 24 to accompany 30 youths on a field trip to the Wheeling Park District Aquatics Center. While at the aquatics center, the children learned to swim and actively engage in relationship building with their peers and the officers.

Officers and Alderman Bree Higgins swam with the kids, played volleyball and spoke about positive ways of dealing with life's stressful situations. Lunch was provided by the police department which came from a fund that was created by donations from the Lions Club, Rotary and Village Bank.

This is the third event in a series of field trips organized by the Prospect Heights Police Department, employees, alderman and volunteers from the city of Prospect Heights as a means to reach out to at-risk youths.

A Government Awareness Day included a bike trip, tours of the police and fire centers as well as open gym at the Prospect Heights Park District and a stop at the Harper College Learning and Career Center in Prospect Heights.

The second trip was to the Brookfield Zoo where again, officers, Higgins, employees and volunteers accompanied more than 40 youths. Lunch was provided by Monica's Mexican Restaurant located in Prospect Heights.

The fourth trip is in September, possibly to a Chicago Fire Soccer game.

For more information, contact Deputy Chief Al Steffen or Chief Jamie Dunne at (847) 398-5511.