Elgin Police Department celebrates its own

The Elgin Police Department celebrated its own Tuesday evening at its annual awards ceremony, which this year was held in more formal fashion at the Heritage Ballroom of the Centre of Elgin.

Sgt. Jim Lalley was named Manager of the Year, Det. Scott St. John was selected Officer of the Year, Officer Brad Duffy was chosen Rookie of the Year and emergency alarm coordinator Terri Moore got the civilian of the year award. Officer Dave Mendiola got the department's commendation award.

"The best ideas … come from the people who are out there routinely doing their work," Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said.

Cmdr. Ana Lalley and Det. Heather Robinson got chief's commendations for organizing the awards ceremony.

Last year was "a very difficult year to be a police officer," Robinson said. "The truth is, only a very small portion of police have managed to bring shame to the badge."

While there are police departments across the country that deserve negative attention, Swoboda said he's proud of the quality of training among Elgin officers, and their positive relationship with the community.

The department also recognized field training officers, 911 emergency dispatch personnel, traffic unit officers, officers Heather Farrell and Miriam Uribe for creating a Spanish-language training, and the organizers of a popular women's self-defense class.

The family of Officer James Willson, who died in June after a motorcycle collision with a deer, was given his retirement badge.