Arlington Hts. police launch 'Befriend a Badge' trading card program

Arlington Heights-area youngsters got a chance to nab autographs for their trading cards from men in uniform - but in lieu of batting averages and on-base percentages, these cards emphasized the value of local law enforcement.

The Saturday afternoon event at a McDonald's on Dundee Road served as the village police department's official launch of the "Befriend a Badge" trading card program, a revival of a 1995 program designed to increase positive interaction between area law enforcement and children.

"It's a challenging time for police everywhere," said officer Robert Kostka, a crime analyst and the department's citizen police academy coordinator. "Reconnecting with kids is a top priority."

Officials say the 11 collectible officer cards span various divisions and jobs within the department, including detectives, school resource officers and patrol officers.

Officer Pete Hamrick, Hersey High School's school resource officer, is shown posing with the school's mascot, a husky, on the front of his card. The back side reveals his 20 years of service with the department, and that his favorite hobbies include playing the guitar and fishing. His motto, meanwhile, is "treat others as you would want to be treated."

In the coming months, officers will attend various special events at local business, schools, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and Arlington Heights Park District to provide opportunities for children to visit with the officers and request autographs. When children collect all 11 officer cards, they're eligible to receive gift cards. Those who collect every autograph are also eligible for a grand prize after the program's completion this summer.

Traveling to Saturday's event from the station, Kostka said he'd feared that the heavy snowfall might serve as a deterrent from children showing up. He was proved wrong, however, and chalked it up to the fact that "McDonald's serves as a magnet to kids of all ages."

Josh Weiser of Buffalo Grove happened to stop in with his daughters, ages 6 and 9, for a late lunch, the line of squad cars in the parking lot raising his eyebrows as to what might be going on at the restaurant.

His girls ended up collecting cards and chatting with the officers as they ate their meals and shakes.

"A lot of kids form negative opinions without ever interacting with police officers," Weiser said. "This (program) shows they're good to know, you should respect them, and they're friendly."

For details on the program, call (847) 368-5330.