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Four Gurnee police officers recognized for career achievement

Four Gurnee police officers have been recognized for career achievements that align with the department's mission statement for the community.

Police Chief Kevin Woodside initiated the Four Pillar Awards in 2014. Four officers each receive the annual award for longtime work in crime prevention, community impact, crime response and team building.

Woodside said the public recognition of the officers' achievements is important in the current climate of law enforcement scrutiny in the United States.

"I think, in general, what is happening on the local level between police departments and their communities is a lot different than what is being reflected in the national narrative," Woodside said. "So, I think anytime you can recognize the good work the police officers are doing in the communities that they serve ... it's really a positive, because it does counter the negative message that tends to get more attention nationally."

Woodside said the Four Pillar Awards reflect his department's mission to defend the lives, rights and quality of life of all residents and visitors with honor and integrity.

At Monday night's village board meeting, the Four Pillar Awards were presented to officers Darren Baker, Martin DePerte, Jon Ward and Bill Stashkiw. With deputy police chiefs Saundra Campbell and Willie Meyer beside him, Woodside handed the awards to the officers as they were called to the front of the village board rostrum.

Baker, a Gurnee cop since 1987 who will retire in October, was recognized in the community impact category. He was lauded for a positive attitude, expertise and enthusiasm that's shown in his work as a school resource officer or on patrol assignments at Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills.

"It is amazing to have the support of the community," Baker said. "And that has been huge for us. And we have a fantastic community here where they support us and it makes it easier to police them. Makes it easier to be an officer for them and to assist in any way we can."

DePerte, a Gurnee officer since 1996, was honored for crime prevention, while Ward, a 23-year department veteran, received kudos in the crime response category. Stashkiw, a Gurnee officer since 2002, was honored for team building.

"I hope this will be something that would remain a tradition that would last for a very, very long time here," Woodside said.

Gurnee gives awards to police officers

  Gurnee Police Chief Kevin Woodside said the Four Pillar Awards he created in 2014 reflect his department's mission of defending "the lives, rights and quality of life of all the residents and visitors we serve, with honor and integrity." Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
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