PHOTOS: Matt Boltz, Engineer, Chicago Cubs Radio - Wordspecs

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(continued from previous page) (they are all civilians) catch Solving crimes is just one part of Detective Jon Lowman’s responsibilities. 9-1-1 calls for police, fire and He is one of the moving forces behind the city’s Community Emergency EMTs, monitor multiple state Response Team (CERT), formed in 2005. About 40 volunteers (those and local police calls and younger than 16 must join with a parent) meet monthly in a program answer public works administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency program. With inquiries. Dispatchers keep uniforms, radios and credentials, CERT members provide additional security an eye on the weather, and during busy events like Fourth of July celebrations and arts festivals. They can trigger the city’s also check on the elderly during periods of extreme heat or cold. emergency sirens. Lowman has been with the HPPD for eight years. He says teamwork “It’s a difficult but solves crimes; he works with groups that deal with thefts, drugs, property rewarding job, handling damage and arson, major crash reconstruction and police recruitment. hundreds of calls a day,” says “Being a detective is my favorite job so far,” says Lowman, named to his Kern. “Giving instructions for current position in 2004. He had been a patrolman and park district liaison, CPR (cardio-pulmonary dealing with issues like “stranger danger” and low-level drug situations. resuscitation) on the phone is Previously, he worked for the Wilmette Park District and was in the Coast routine for us.” Dispatchers also deal with routine administrative calls to the Guard Reserves. “I found I had a feel for law enforcement,” he says. city and the police department, questions about ordinances and laws, Highland Park has few violent crimes, though there were two non-fatal requests for directions, and inquiries about storms and power outages. shooting incidents in 2006. Major crimes in Highland Park involve burglary, Kern joined the HPPD 10 years ago and was named supervisor this past financial crimes and fraud. “Burglaries are the hardest to solve,” Lowman February. He first worked as a dispatcher for the campus police at Triton says, “especially when they are crimes of opportunity. In the case of College, then for the Village of River Grove and the River Grove PD. He professionals, we’ve broken rings that were active all over northern Illinois.” was an auxiliary police officer in River Grove, working both sides of the He has advanced training radio. “I was just looking for a part-time job, but I found a career.” in computers, surveillance Things have changed a lot over the years. “Today, it’s all computers and systems and business touch screens,” Kern says. “We create calls on the Computer Aided systems, and is adept with Dispatch (CAD), and a uniform crime reporting code and short narrative the department’s state-of-theart equipment for analyzing goes to the appropriate person or beat car. It’s quicker and more efficient than typewriters and time stamps, and harder for outsiders to pick up.” surveillance tapes and other When a 9-1-1 call comes in on screen, we confirm the address, evidence. “Digital determine the type of emergency and send police, fire, ambulance or a surveillance has made it combination.” Mobile computers will be in all fire vehicles and ambulances much more efficient to sort by the end of this year. Wireless technology, which replaces radio waves, is through video,” he says. faster with fewer dead spots caused by trees, ravines and on beaches. “Highland Park is a safe community,” Lowman says, “but everyone should There is also a web-based “Reverse 9-1-1” system to alert groups of still take precautions. Lock your car, or your iPod could be gone. Lock up and residents about a problem such as flooding or other impending danger. “We light up your home, too. When there is a crime, we canvas the neighbors. If can notify people in an affected area within a couple of hours, as opposed to you see a crime, call 9-1-1, then make notes immediately. We have one of the the old system which took a couple of days.” best investigative units in northern Illinois in terms of education, training and The new building, Kern says, is a huge departure from the old one. our high clearance rate. But our job is primarily crime prevention, educating “Dispatch was cramped and had old equipment. Now we have room to citizens and advocating for victims of crimes.” expand. New computers (expected in 2008) will be able to check multiple The Highland Park Police Department is accredited by the Commission on databases.” Each of three ergonomically designed work stations has seven Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since March 2005, “a significant screens for three systems: CAD, linked to records and databases like state professional benchmark,” according to Chief Shafer. “It underscores our licenses; a phone system and radio; and a headquarters monitor and floor exceptional police services that meet and exceed national standards.” plan, which shows the position and status of doors. Dispatchers can lock Patrolman Rash exemplifies departmental pride as he envisions the future. down the detention area when they recognize a dangerous situation. “Our new building is the beginning of meeting the next level of needs of the “The department cooperates with neighboring communities, sharing a people of Highland Park. As good as we were before, watch us now!” radio frequency with Highwood, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Reaching even farther are multi-jurisdictional investigations such For more information about the wide range of services, as a case established by the HPPD’s Internet Crime Investigation Unit. Last educational programs, community initiatives and opportunities December, a Lake Zurich High School teacher and former coach was for citizen action, visit cityhpil.com/police, call 847-432-7730 arrested at his Ingleside home by HPPD officers. He pled guilty to child or email cityhall@cityhpil.com. pornography charges in early June. 14 / Fall 2007
Print out coupons at our new web site! Don version 2.0 Joe version 3.5 Dave version 3.0 Voted “Best Plumber on the North Shore” Need answers today New locations every quarter…Is there one agency for worker’s comp, fire and liability, employment practices coverage This business is more than dollars and cents. It's a legacy. Who can create the succession to my wife and children Wenk’s got you covered! WENK INSURANCE AGENCIES How do I attract and retain key employees Could a thousand dollars be enough to start up a 401-k for them My employees deserve health and dental, but can I take care of them and still stay in business Life | Auto | Home | Aircraft Employee Benefits | IRA | 401(k) Property | Casualty | Liability 847-433-8370 Free 24/7 quotes: WenkInsurance.com 600 Central Avenue, Highland Park Soaring for 75 Years Fall 2007 / 15
Page 1 and 2: PHOTOS: Matt Boltz, Engineer, Chica
Page 3 and 4: HIGHLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE w
Page 5 and 6: On Our Cover This Young Cub: Cory P
Page 7 and 8: Index of Advertisers The ABL Group
Page 9 and 10: Outfit your family for winter fun W
Page 11 and 12: FOR FALL SHOPPING & FUN IT’S ALL
Page 13 and 14: You’ll love our service the way y
Page 15: Animal control responsibilities als
Page 19 and 20: Our reputation is set in stone(s) F
Page 21 and 22: SMUGGLERS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES Gif
Page 23 and 24: t Highland Park Hospital, we’ve b
Page 25 and 26: Two other Uptown fixtures that rece
Page 27 and 28: Chamber professionals offer experti
Page 29 and 30: New restaurant opens, but never on
Page 31 and 32: AN OPEN LETTER TO PLAYER OF THE CEN
Page 33 and 34: Chamber professionals offer experti
Page 35 and 36: Artist Program sends instructors ou
Page 37 and 38: istorante • banquets Experience O
Page 39 and 40: Houston Astros. Cory also did sport
Page 41 and 42: For many, the accessories are the m
Page 44: TM Stan Megdall Char Terbeest-Kudla

PHOTOS: Matt Boltz, Engineer, Chicago Cubs Radio - Wordspecs

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