Prospect Heights Police Department officers, staff honored

Officers and staff of the Prospect Heights Police Department were honored at the Prospect Heights city board meeting Nov. 28.

Chief Steffen and Deputy Chief Zawlocki awarded officers and civilian staff members of the Prospect Heights Police Department awards for their involvement in furthering Community Policing and Outreach within the City of Prospect Heights.

The Outstanding Community Policing Awards are given in recognition for officers and staff members that volunteer their time and efforts beyond their assigned work schedule to participate in programs that promote positive community relations through civic, professional, or personal endeavors.

This year's recipients were recognized for their participation in the Prospect Heights Police and Fire Department Holiday Gift distribution program, 2016's summer Youth Outreach, 2016 Special Olympics fundraising activities, 2016's Prospect Heights Police Department Thanksgiving Food Drive and, most recently, the American Cancer Society's fundraiser "No Shave November."

Through their efforts, more than $5,000 for charity was raised and bonds were strengthened between the police and the community.

The following officers and personnel earned the Community Policing Award:

Records Supervisor Margie Bolger, Detective William Caponigro, Officer Michael Coglianese, Records Clerk Michael Cohen, (currently attending the Illinois State Police Academy for Palatine Police Department) Officer Stephanie Conboy, (currently Assistant to the Chief/Community Liaison Officer) Assistant to the Chief/Community Liaison Officer Pardeep Deol, (currently a police officer with Lincolnwood Police Department) Officer Milo Derman, Corporal Jesus Duron, Officer Jocelyn Garza, Corporal Todd Godair, (promoted to sergeant in 2016) Officer Kevin Lange, Records Clerk Pablo Martinez, Records Clerk Evaristo Mendez, Corporal Scott Minniear, Officer Keith O'Connor, Detective Sergeant Mark Porlier, Officer Michael Porzycki, Officer Mark Pufundt, Officer Dean Savas, Officer Christopher Skeet, Officer Cory Simpson, Officer Michael Smith, Corporal William Suerth, Officer Alan Thibeault and K-9 Bane, Officer Bill Ware, Officer Matthew Willis, and Records Clerk Colleen Zitkus (currently a police officer with Lincolnwood Police Department).

Chief Steffen also recognized City of Prospect Heights Mayor Nick Helmer for his efforts in support of the Prospect Heights Police Department's Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Mayor Helmer worked with several businesses in town to provide gift certificates to local grocers, which the police department distributed to families struggling during the holiday season.

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