Stadalsky: Citizens get a look at life as a Minooka police officer

MINOOKA – Six Minooka residents graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy on April 25, the fourth graduating class from Minooka.

State Rep. John Anthony, D-Joliet, a former city of Champaign officer and Kendall County sheriff’s deputy, spoke to the graduates about what it means for them.

“You guys have to really come to the understanding of how important your eyes and ears are, how important it is to the community,” Anthony told the graduates.

Police can’t be everywhere at all times to see everything, said Anthony, so academy participants learn to be great witnesses to what’s going on in the community.

The academy was created to not only give citizens an understanding of what goes into the day-to-day work of an officer or investigator, but to bridge a gap between police and the community, Police Chief Justin Meyer said.

They go through a 10-week training program that takes them through identity theft, traffic stops and how to approach the occupants of a vehicle, SWAT operations and gear, a course on when weapons are used, when use of force is appropriate and a program called “Shoot, Don’t Shoot.”

Assistant Coroner Christine Hentze, from the Grundy County Coroner’s Office, gave participants a tour of the morgue and discussed protocol for when a body is received.

They also had a tour of the Will County jail and a lesson from Minooka Detective Ryan MacDonald in lifting fingerprints.

Meyer said that because police are under heavy scrutiny these days, it’s important to understand the six pillars of good policing.

“Minooka Police Department is right in line with their transparency,” Meyer said.

Citizen’s Police Academy alumni help officers during special events such as Summerfest, the kids bike rodeo, car shows and parades. They also do fundraising and make donations to the department for needed equipment.

Graduates had many different reasons for going through the program. Michael Koszela is interested in police work, and the program offered him an up-close view of operations.

“I loved it all,” Koszela said of the program. “It’s always what I have been interested in.”

Vuli Ahmedi always had a negative view about police, she said. The program showed her her misconceptions.

“It was definitely worth it, and I would recommend the class to others,” she said.

Robert Murray’s favorite parts were the building clearings and SWAT demos.

“I enjoyed every night of it,” he said. “Some were downright exciting.”

Minooka has one of a few citizen’s police alumni associations that remain active, said President Roberta Dettman. Minooka’s alumni association has been active for eight years.

For those who are interested in participating in the next Citizen’s Police Academy, call Denis Tatgenhorst, community policing officer for the Minooka Police Department, 815-467-2298.

“It was really informative,” said Donald Maue. “It gives you some appreciation for police and the work they do.”

• Kris Stadalsky writes about people and issues in areas south and west of Joliet. Reach her at writestuff56@comcast.net.