Prospect Heights Police names Officer of the Year

On Monday, Jan. 11, Prospect Heights Chief of Police Jim Zawlocki presented the 2020 Officer of the Year Award to Officer Keith O'Connor in front of Mayor Nicholas Helmer and the city council members during a Zoom meeting.

The nominations for this award are accepted from staff and command of the Prospect Heights Police Department, who take into account the officer's attitude, cooperation, initiative, teamwork, reliability and achievements over the course of the year.

This year's nominee has excelled in all of those attributes. O'Connor has been a sworn police officer with the Prospect Heights Police Department since 2016 and has taken on several duties, including Officer In Charge (during the absence of a sergeant), AR15 Armorer, juvenile officer, evidence technician, Taser instructor and handcuffing instructor.

He was recognized in 2020 by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for exceptional DUI enforcement and has been one of the department's top DUI officers.

O'Connor is a member of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Mobil Field Force. During the 2020 calendar year, O'Connor was deployed for 53 NIPAS MFF activations for extended periods of time.

Even with the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 hindering the ability to host community events, O'Connor still found a way to assist with the few events Prospect Heights was able to offer.

While off duty, O'Connor took the time to organize and run the No Shave November Campaign, which is dedicated to earning donations for cancer research.

The Prospect Heights Fire District and police department sold tickets this year for a Christmas raffle and proceeds went to purchasing clothing and toys for families in need. O'Connor assisted with selling tickets to raise those funds.

Officer O'Connor has been an integral part of the department both on duty and off duty, and has undoubtedly earned his title as Officer of the Year.