Lombard Police intern's inspiration rooted in family

Evan Grant is required to spend 480 hours with the Lombard Police Department and he is enjoying every minute of it!

Grant is an intern for the Lombard Police Department and is fulfilling the last of his coursework to receive a Criminal Justice degree in May from Illinois State University.

Since January, Grant has been participating in a program with the Lombard Police Department that has opened his eyes to law enforcement. He has learned about police record keeping, observed Du-Comm emergency calls, been educated about traffic safety unit procedures and rode along with the Lombard police officers on two different shifts.

“I love it all especially learning about traffic regulations and truck safety,” said Grant. “I am very impressed with the morale of the police officers; in-particularly, how they interact with one another and the administration. I have found the officers to be consistently polite and courteous on a daily basis,” continued Grant.

Grant's interest in law enforcement started when he was a young boy listening to stories from his veteran police officer father, Bob Grant.

“One hundred percent of my inspiration in choosing a career in law enforcement is due to my dad. He is encouraging me to seek a position with the federal or local government,” explained Grant.

“I began my college career thinking about becoming a physical therapist but quickly realized after a semester that criminal justice is my passion. I have friends that are participating in engineering and accounting internships and admit to me that their best day at their internship can't beat the slowest day of my internship in terms of excitement,” Grant added.

Outside of working with the Lombard Police, Grant finds time for his hobbies of strength training, running and Lacrosse. He is an Eagle Scout and organized a drive to collect personal items for soldiers serving overseas.

After graduation, Grant would like to work for Lombard or move west to Seattle. “I like the idea of being able to stay in one town and putting roots down whether it is here or Seattle,” adds Grant.

Lombard Police Lieutenant Scott Watkins said about Grant, “We are happy to have young people who are interested in law enforcement as a career, spend time with us as interns.”