The reason Andrew Hock said he proudly puts on his uniform and goes to work every day as a police officer is because he hopes to make a difference in the lives of Elmwood Park community members.
Hock, 57, is a native son who on Jan. 7 took the reins as the chief of police for the village of some 24,500 residents.
“I was born and raised here, and I still live here,” he said. “I used to sit on my front porch as a little kid and wave when the Elmwood Park police cars drove by, and the officers would wave back.”
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Following the retirement of former Chief Frank Fagiano, Hock seemingly is living a lifelong dream, leading a department of 35 sworn officers.
“I’m blessed to have this job — and right here in Elmwood Park, where I grew up,” Hock said. “People play the lottery to win millions of dollars, but my win is having this job here.”
After graduating from Fenwick High School, Hock earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice administration from Triton College. He began his career with the Elmwood Park Police Department in 1990, rising through the ranks as patrolman, detective, sergeant, commander and deputy chief, the latter a position he held for 12 years prior to his appointment as chief.
Along the way, Hock’s biography lists him winning the Cook County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Award of Merit, the Elmwood Park Police Chief Award of Merit and an award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.
His credentials also cite graduating from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and being a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the West Suburban Chiefs of Police, the West Suburban Detectives Association and the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force.
“Police have really gotten a hard time in the past few years,” he told Pioneer Press, speaking on police maintaining good community relations. “But here in Elmwood Park, the residents give us so much support. I can’t explain it.”
Hock also said he is present at every community event he is able to attend.
“One of the things that keeps me going in this job is knowing that the vast majority in this community really do support us, particularly when times are bad,” Hock said. “I have personally witnessed this support many times throughout my career, particularly during critical incidents and the more recent civil unrest.”
Hock said his vision for the Elmwood Park Police Department, moving forward, is to focus on anti-crime initiatives and community-based policing. One example is an innovative program where, for a $20 installation fee, the police will affix a small alarm device to a vehicle’s catalytic converter to discourage theft.
Elmwood Park also has a program where the police will pay half the cost for the installation of surveillance cameras outside residential properties.
“We’re also increasing our stationary and mobile patrols along Harlem Avenue,” Hock said. “We’re looking to reach out and maintain the relationships and partnerships that are already in place.”
Hock said choosing a career in law enforcement came partially from a sense of patriotism.
“Being a police officer, especially today, is a vocation,” he said. “It’s like wanting to become a doctor: to help people. Many times when responding to a call, an officer is able to make a difference, whether it’s consoling someone after the passing of a loved one, helping a kid who’s having a tough time in school or calming someone who was just involved in a traffic accident.
“These are things we do not only because it’s part of the job, but because it gives us a feeling of pride and satisfaction that makes it worthwhile,” Hock said. “That’s why I do it.”
Maintaining ties with Triton College, Hock is in his second year as president of the Alumni Association Council there and is a board member of the Triton College Foundation.
Hock and his wife, Heather, have two adult children — Brian, a current Elmwood Park police detective, and Ashley, who works in the finance industry.
Speaking at his swearing-in at the Jan, 9 Village Board meeting, Hock made a pledge.
“To our residents and to the members of our business community,” Hock said, “please know that the Elmwood Park Police Department is dedicated to protect, serve and increase the quality of life for all those who live, work or visit our community. We will work hard to gain and maintain your trust and I know I can rely on our officers to live by that message.”
Gary Gibula is a freelancer.