Officer's 35 years of protecting Schaumburg sets record

Schaumburg this month is honoring the 35th service anniversary of the man who's become the village's longest-serving police officer.

Officer Paul Schnetz, a native of Holland and a veteran of the U.S. Army, was sworn in as a Schaumburg police officer on Dec. 30, 1972.

He continues to serve the village's 75,000-plus residents as a member of the day-shift patrol.

Schaumburg is now nationally known for Woodfield mall and its new, state-of-the-art convention center and adjoining hotel. Locally, the village is respected for its sophisticated park district and library, as well as its vibrant arts scene.

But during Schnetz's first month of service 35 years ago, the village had only 20,000 residents and was still home to some farmers and their cows.

Last week, Director of Police Richard Casler presented Schnetz, in the company of family and friends, with a letter of appreciation for his long community service.

Casler wrote: "Paul has dedicated himself to serving and protecting the residents and employees of, and visitors to, the village of Schaumburg for 35 years. I thank him for all his hard work and commitment and all that he has done to assist the development of the department and the village."

In a spot of bad luck, Schnetz sustained a minor injury while responding to a call last week and was not able to be contacted. But he is expected to return to duty in the near future.

Citizen Police Academy: Curious about what Officer Schnetz has been doing for the last 35 years?

The Schaumburg Police Department is offering the chance to try out the job for yourself.

The department is now accepting applications for the spring session of its Citizen Police Academy, which will run Wednesday evenings from March 5 to May 21.

Anyone 18 years old and older who lives or works in Schaumburg is eligible to apply for the 12-week course.

Participants will be exposed to many different facets of law enforcement through class topics that are both interesting and informative.

And the experience isn't limited to classroom lectures. Attendees will get to participate in a patrol ride-along, firearms training, mock traffic stops and even learn how to conduct room searches.

Through the academy, the department hopes to provide an environment that will help foster relationships between the police and the community. It's hoped that graduates will become the department's partners in identifying problems and solutions to the quality-of-life issues facing the community.

For more information or an application, visit the village's Web site at villageofschaumburg.com or contact Sgt. John Nebl at (847) 348-7276 or jnebl@ci.schaumburg.il.us.

Think fast, act now: An exciting, fast-paced game is coming to the Schaumburg Township District Library in March.

"Think Fast Trivia Challenge" is open to anyone age 14 to adults. It will begin at 1 p.m. March 8 in the Rasmussen Room on the second floor of the central library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

This head-to-head trivia contest will pit one team against another and one player against another.

Teams of three are needed to compete.

To register your three-person team, call Amy Peterson or Kris Kenney at (847) 985-4000 or visit the Web site www.stdl.org/thinkfast/

Registration must be received by 10 p.m. Feb. 15.

• Eric Peterson covers Schaumburg. Contact him with your story ideas at epeterson@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4482.