It was a night for honoring the village’s “finest” at a recent Lincolnwood Committee of the Whole meeting, as an officer was sworn in as a new sergeant, the interim chief was recognized for his leadership as the village searched for a permanent placement to the post and a police department secretary got a top honor.
Jeff Gordon became the Lincolnwood Police Department’s newest sergeant, and was given the oath of his new title and duties during the April 17 meeting.
Gordon was hired as a police and fire dispatcher in May 1999, and in February 2002 he was sworn in as a Lincolnwood police officer, interim police Chief Bruce Rottner said at the meeting.
In 2008, Gordon was assigned to the investigations unit as a detective, and has been selected as the department’s Police Officer of the Year three times over the years. He was also the village’s Employee of the Year in 2013, among his many honors, Rottner said.
The new sergeant thanked his family and the village for their support throughout his career.
“Without these people, I wouldn’t be able to say ‘yes’ to whatever the task needs to be done at work,” Gordon said. “I feel confident when asked to switch schedules, work overtime or pickup a special assignment I can say ‘yes’ and I can say OK right away because I know I have a great support team behind me.”
He offered special gratitude to his pre-teen daughter for being understanding of his job, he said, and to his parents for watching over her when he has to go out on assignment on short notice.
Rottner was recognized at the meeting, as well.
A retired deputy chief from the Chicago Police Department, he was sworn in as interim Lincolnwood police chief on Dec. 5 after former Chief Robert LaMantia’s retirement.
Rottner called his experience working in the village “one of the greatest times” of his life.
Then attention turned to Mary Liss, as she was honored as the 2017 Employee of the Year.
Rottner explained that American Legion Post 1226 has recognized Lincolnwood police employees for their efforts on behalf of the department, as well as the residents of Lincolnwood, for many years.
“During her career, Mary has worked with every police chief, with the exception of the very first police chief,” Rottner said. “Because of Mary’s long tenure with the village, she is well-known and respected throughout our community.”
Liss was accompanied at the meeting by her husband, Barry, who serves as the Oakbrook fire chief, as well as her teen daughter, Megan.
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“I am truly overwhelmed, but not speechless,” said Liss, who shed a few tears as she spoke of her family, coworkers and members of the audience.
“If you look around this room you will see the many faces of true heroes,” she said. “The police officers of Lincolnwood Police Department, both past and present. They are my inspiration and my drive to work hard each and every day. They have consistently dared me to be the best that I can be by leading through example.”
Rottner explained that Liss was initially hired as a part-time secretary in November 1976. She was hired on full-time in 1980, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1985, he said.
Liss’ responsibilities as executive secretary include purchasing, payroll, personnel and assisting with various projects and programs including the budget, Rottner said.
She also works closely with the Fire and Police Commission, the Human Relations Commission and the Traffic Commission, he said.
Kyra Senese is a freelancer.