Big night for Princeton’s City Cops

PRINCETON — Several Princeton Police Officers, including a retiree, a newly promoted sergeant and a new hire were recognized by the city Tuesday night.

Chief Tom Kammerer first recognized Patrol Sergeant Dan Jaeger for his recent graduation from the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command. Jaeger has completed a 10-week course designed to build leadership and administration skills, Kammerer said. Jaeger will use skills learned in the course to coach and mentor department officers.

Also recognized was Sergeant Scott Underwood, who last week retired after 20 years of service. Underwood has been with the city since June 11, 2001. During his tenure, Underwood served in many roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Field Training Coordinator, Sergeant and Lietenant.

Underwood in addition to training many of the department’s current officers, assisted in obtaining equipment grants, including grants for in-car cameras and staff hiring through the COPS program. He is a Navy veteran and actively involved during his time in the department in fundraising for Cops for Cancer, and Special Olympics Illinois.

“When I started here in April of 2018, Scott was instrumental in introducing me to the many people and organizations we work with on a daily basis,” Kammerer said. “We spent many hours going over policies and practices while he helped me settle into my new role as chief. I am grateful for his assistance.”

Underwood will continue a public service career as a BueComm dispatcher.

During the meeting, Officer Joel Drozda officially was promoted to the position of Sergeant. Drozda has been with the department since Nov. 29, 2006 and has served as a Field Training Officer, K9 Officer and currently holds the position as leader of the Illinois Valley Special Response Team.

Drozda also is an office holder for the Princeton Moose Lodge, participates in fundraising for Special Olympics of Illinois and worked with several officers and organizations to fund and construct the department’s fitness center.

“Joel has exhibited leadership in his current role and as Police Union President,” Kammerer said. “He will be asked to build upon those leadership skills in his new role as a Sergeant.”

New Patrol Officer Mike Kernan was sworn in as the department’s newest member as the final order of business for the evening.

Kernan has worked for several years for the City Street Department and has been a parttime officer for DePue and Wyanet Police.