Wheeling native Pardeep Deol knows a police officer’s job has only become tougher during the past year amid heightened tensions between some police departments and their communities.
But the national headlines haven’t deterred the 25-year-old Deol from following his dream.
Surrounded by friends, family and his former colleagues from the Prospect Heights Police Department, Deol was one of two new police officers who were sworn into the department July 19 at Lincolnwood Village Hall.
While Deol finishes his police training program before he starts his regular duties as a patrol officer, he talked recently about his new job and why he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Q: When did you first decide you wanted to be a police officer? Were there any family members, friends or mentor-type figures that inspired your decision?
A: I’ve wanted to become a police officer for my entire life. When I was young, I used to look up to my late uncle who was an authority figure in our family and would fix everyone’s problems. Most recently, the officers at the Prospect Heights Police Department were all mentors to me and helped me shape myself so that I could fit the bill as a police officer.
Q: The police chief and deputy chief from the Prospect Heights Police Department came out to support you on the night you were sworn in. What do you think you’ll miss most about the special connection you seem to have with the town?
A: I had been with the Prospect Heights Police Department since high school, from volunteering to being hired in a civilian capacity. What I will miss the most are the residents and the connection that the department has with its community. My last position with PHPD was community liaison officer and a large part of my responsibilities was running the department’s special projects and programs. Through this, I was able to work directly with residents, local organizations and the community at large. It was a great experience.
Q: What is it about police work that appeals to you most?
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A: To me, police work isn’t just about arresting people and writing tickets, it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. If you think about it, when someone calls 911, they are usually experiencing something that is either stressful or traumatic, and they need someone to come in and fix things. That is where police officers come in. We are there to not only protect our residents from elements of crime as they sleep sound at night, but we are also there to help them solve problems within their homes or out in our town.
Q: Considering the unsettling atmosphere for officers around the U.S., does the situation change the way you plan to carry out your job in any way?
A: Officers always need to be vigilant. However now more than ever, we need to watch our surroundings, even when we feel safe. More importantly though, we need to create positive relationships within our community so that we can do our jobs more effectively and give the residents a way to help us help them.
Q: What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
A: I think it goes without saying that I like to spend time with my family. I have recently taken up hiking and plan to take up golf. In addition to that, I’m involved in cultural organizations, where I teach cultural Punjabi dance. I also like working on cars, working out and spending time outdoors with friends.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.