Village Hall has been abuzz with positive staff news this week! From the hiring of three new police officers and the recognition of Officer Mike Devine’s retirement at Monday’s board meeting, to an outstanding professional achievement for Finance Director Heather Wagonblott, check out the exciting updates below.
Retirement of Channahon Police Officer Mike Devine
After 31 years of service to the Channahon community, Officer Mike Devine retired earlier this month. Officer Devine worked with the local schools and the younger population of the Village as a dedicated Juvenile Resource Officer. Officer Devine was active in the development of the schools’ DARE program and mentored many a young student in the lower grades until his eventual position as a full time School Resource Officer at the High School’s South Campus. There Officer Devine continued his career long work with the young men and women in our communities, while providing for a safe learning experience. Officer Devine has taught and mentored multiple generations of our residents over his tenure. Officer Devine was also instrumental in implementation of the Police Department’s bike patrol program, which he grew from 2 officers to a 10 person operation. Officer Devine was a strong advocate for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and could be found every June in Bloomington-Normal to kick off the summer games.
Officer Devine’s influence on the community, especially the younger population, is unmatched. We thank him for his years of service, dedication and influence to the Village of Channahon!
Hiring of Three New Police Officers
With the recent retirement of Officer Devine, the imminent retirement of Sgt. Jackubowski in December, and the budgeted addition of a 26th officer; the police department would like to stay on pace with the replacement of personnel to minimize overtime costs, not unduly burden FTO staff, and most importantly avoid any disruption to the delivery of services. After an extensive interview process, a hiring panel identified Ethan Anderson, Catherine Price, and Christopher Smith as the top candidates for a position with the police department.
Mr. Smith is a graduate of Dunbar Vocational Career Academy High School in Chicago, and attended Malcom X College. He is currently employed by Marriott Corporation, where his supervisors and peers gave Mr. Smith high praise for his professional demeanor, customer service, and de-escalation skills.
Ms. Price is a Channahon resident and graduate from Minooka Community High School, attended Joliet Junior College where she obtained her Associates Degree in Psychology, and went on to attend Trinity Christian College where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Ms. Price interned with the Joliet Police Department and our police department, where she received a letter of commendation from former Chief Jeff Wold.
Mr. Anderson is a graduate of Vista Murrieta High School, attended Mount San Jacinto Junior College, and California Coast University. He went on to work as a correctional officer in California before becoming certified as a police officer in Illinois. Mr. Anderson is currently employed with the Elwood Police Department as a patrol officer and holds many certifications beneficial to our agency. Some of those include: Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, Breath Alcohol Operator, Juvenile Officer, Rescue Task Force, REID interview and interrogation, Advance Sexual Assault Investigator, Taser Instructor, Mental Health Crisis Intervention, and CPR. He is currently a member of the ILEAS Mobile Field Force. Additionally, he is familiar with our P1 CAD and Records management systems, and WESCOM radio processes.
Mr. Smith, Ms. Price and Mr. Anderson were presented to the Village Board during the board meeting on Monday, August 17th and were administered the Oath of Office to the position of Police Patrol Officer by Mayor Missey.
Congratulations to Village Finance Director Heather Wagonblott
On June 29, 2020, Heather received a Certificate of Achievement from the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association (IMTA) designating her as a Certified Illinois Municipal Treasurer. In order to become certified, and in addition to leading the Finance Department, Heather completed 3 years of continuing educational courses, which included 33 1/3 hours of classroom instruction each year.
Thank you, Heather, for your dedication and hard work!