Wood Dale cop's service goes beyond his job
For 35 years, Wood Dale police Sgt. Robert DelCarlo put on his uniform and badge and served the city. That alone was a reason for the community to be thankful as he wrapped up his career last month.
But the city's 2002 Officer of the Year also has earned recognition for the work he's done in civilian clothes.
"Bob's a guy who has spent the past 35 years going above and beyond for the citizens of Wood Dale, and we're going to miss him tremendously," Police Chief Greg Vesta said.
"He puts in a full shift and then dedicates a ton of personal time making the community better. He's a model police officer and one who should be celebrated."
Throughout his career, DelCarlo has logged numerous hours assisting Wood Dale's Tioga VFW Post by volunteering with its annual Memorial Day Parade and organizing its annual car show and bingo fundraiser.
"I find time for it because I have to. I find time for it because it is a payback. As far as the VFW, I owe them for being able to make the decisions I make and being able to do what I want to do," DelCarlo said.
"The time I find, I find it because some of the people that gave me those rights don't have that time any more."
Post Commander Ray Sargent said DelCarlo's contributions are unmatched.
"We're always happy to have volunteers, and he's the best. We're very thankful for the time and service he's put in here," Sargent said. "We congratulate him on his retirement, and we're happy to know he's pledged to stick around the area and keep helping us out."
Around this time of year, DelCarlo also has been instrumental in organizing the police department's Adopt-a-Family program, which feeds about 40 local families every Thanksgiving.
"Many years ago, a radio personality was in town collecting for the Neediest Children's Fund and there was no food, so another officer and I went around and collected $1 from every city council member," DelCarlo said.
"Word spread through the whole city and within three days we had money and 55,000 pounds of food. Now we adopt the families and make sure they all have a nice Thanksgiving."
DelCarlo also has been heavily involved in Happy Caps, a program started by a friend of his that creates knit caps and journals for cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
"At what point do you say I don't have enough time to do this?" he asked. "You don't. You just find it."
For as many people are thankful for him, DelCarlo said he's thankful for someone in his life, too.
"I'm thankful for my dad and that I had him for 53 years. That's who I'm thankful for," he said. "Dad was my hero and I'm very thankful to have had him for as long as I did."