Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Oak Park Police Department works closely with Sarah's Inn to help victims of domestic violence. Learn more about the work Sarah's Inn does in the community and the programming available this month to raise awareness, support survivors and strengthen our community at www.sarahsinn.org.
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Pink patches to raise awareness
Members of the Oak Park Police Department are showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by wearing special pink patches and pins throughout the month in support of survivors and those currently facing the disease. The highly visible patches help bring attention to the importance of early detection, an issue the Oak Park Public Health Department is working to highlight by sharing local resources available to help fight the disease. Find more information on the Village website.
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New faces in the OPPD
The Police Department welcomed two new employees to fill key positions last month. Rodney Hill was sworn in as a new Commander. He is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 34 years of experience dedicated to strengthening community trust and public safety. He rose through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department to retire as Commander of Area 3 Detective Division. Hill also previously served as the Commander of Chicago’s Englewood District. His career has been defined by building meaningful relationships with residents, faith‑based organizations, civic partners and political leaders, ensuring collaborative problem‑solving and responsive policing.
We are also excited to welcome Nia Lackland as our new Community Engagement Manager. Nia brings nearly a decade of experience at the intersection of communications, community engagement, media and culture. Throughout her career, Nia has worked in communications, digital media, photography, videography, public relations and community engagement, developing public-facing content and using storytelling to inform and connect with diverse communities. She graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Mass Communication. Nia will be bringing a fresh perspective to our social media channels and community engagement. The Oak Park Police Department can be found on Facebook, Instagram and X. Be sure to give us a follow to see what's coming up!
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Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24
Community members can safely dispose of expired and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 in the police lobby, 123 Madison St. as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. No liquids, please. The collection box is accessible 24/7. The Village also has a sharps disposal program available during business hours in the main Village Hall lobby. More information is at www.oak-park.us/drugdisposal.
Robbery and theft prevention tips
The majority of crime in Oak Park is against property but robberies and thefts do occur. We are sharing some tips that may help prevent you from becoming a victim.
- Don’t be distracted with cell phones while walking or waiting for public transportation.
- Pay attention to your environment and what’s around you. If you think someone acting suspiciously is approaching you or following you, cross to the other side of the street and head for the nearest public place.
- Obey an offender’s instructions – property can be replaced, you cannot.
Our website has more robbery and theft prevention tips at www.oak-park.us/robberyprevention.
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Secure holiday decorations
Nothing ruins the Halloween spirit more than thieves stealing home decorations from your property. If possible, secure your decorations with locking cords, zip ties or heavy stakes into the ground. You can even try using bike chains and locks to secure items to permanent structures. Label all of your decorations in permanent marker with your name and address as this could help us return any recovered property. This also discourages reselling of the items. Contact us if you have additional questions at police@oak-park.us
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Halloween guidelines
Please drive safely and watch for costumed pedestrians on Saturday, Oct. 31. Official hours for trick or treating in Oak Park are 3:30 to 8 p.m. Police officers will be out to help ensure a safe holiday. Find more Halloween guidelines and safety tips at www.oak-park.us/halloween. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly, follow public safety directions and look out for one another. Our priority is simple: keeping Oak Park safe while our community enjoys Halloween.
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Congrats to Officer Kass, our September Officer of the Month
As a Training Coordinator, Officer Kass plays an important role in keeping our officers prepared, trained, and equipped to serve our community. His dedication was recognized by his nominator, who highlighted his efforts throughout September, including conducting patrol rifle training and a high-risk traffic stop class for newly graduated police recruits.
Officer Kass goes above and beyond helping to strengthen our department’s preparedness and operational readiness.
After 23 years with the Oak Park Police Department, Officer Kass continues to make a difference behind the scenes and in the field. We are proud to recognize his commitment to his fellow officers and to the Oak Park community. Congratulations, Officer Kass, and thank you for your continued service!
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Meet us at the next E.C.H.O. Exchange
Join the E.C.H.O team and members of the Oak Park Police & Fire Departments for coffee and conversation. Our next E.C.H.O. Exchange will from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at Dunkin, 6820 Roosevelt Rd.
Celebrating our staff anniversaries
Please join us in congratulating the members of the Oak Park Police Department celebrating work anniversaries this month! We are grateful for their dedication, service, and contributions to our department and community.
30 Years: D. Gholston — Records
25 Years: M. Somerville — Community Service Officer
1 Year: H. Aguilar — Strategic Intelligence, G. Gudino — Police Officer, and Commander M. Parker
Thank you for your continued commitment to the Village of Oak Park!
Fire Department Open House is Oct. 3
Oak Parkers young, old and in between are invited to the Oak Park Fire Department open house this Saturday, Oct. 3. Visitors will be able to get up close to the equipment, tour the fire house and talk to the firefighter/paramedics who help keep the community safe during the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Station at 100 N. Euclid Ave. To help supply local community blood centers, a Vitalant blood drive will be held onsite from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here to register for the blood drive. More information is at www.oak-park.us/fireopenhouse2026.
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