Wood Dale Police Department names 2018 Employees of the Year

Each year, the Wood Dale Police Department recognizes individuals who go above and beyond for the department and the city.

These individuals display leadership and encourage cooperation among their peers. There were several nominations presented for both awards on each of the three shifts.

After a great deal of discussion, the following individuals were selected: Detective Chris Banaszynski and Community Service Officer Bryan Madden.

Both of these individuals stood out in 2018 in their respective roles in the department and are very deserving of the recognition.

Detective Banaszynski has been with the department since 1996. He started as a patrol officer and was named as a detective in 2011. His strong interrogation techniques have resulted in numerous confessions and arrests during his career at Wood Dale. Banaszynski has also served as an Evidence Technician and is a member of DuPage County FIAT (Felony Investigative Assistance Team), the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force and countywide Accident Reconstruction Team. He has assisted on homicide investigations with other departments and in multijurisdictional heroin highway details. As the longest standing detective, he has also trained newer detectives in the division. Banaszynski has a strong work ethic and works diligently to see every case through from start to finish. He was recently recognized at a dinner hosted by the VFW Post in Wood Dale for his accomplishments.

CSO Bryan Madden started his career with the department in 2017. During these past two years with Wood Dale, he has consistently had an excellent attitude and been willing to assist in any capacity as needed. Madden has participated in numerous community service events including Safety Saturday, Wood Dale Police Night Out, Bike With A Cop and Toys for Tots. He also volunteers to work additional hours during Prairie Fest on various assignments. He has attended several training classes and is a certified Child Safety Restraint Seat installer. Madden is always there to assist a resident or fellow employee, and continually strives to exceed expectations in his daily duties as a Wood Dale Community Service Office.