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player ready...The La Grange Park Police Department promoted three officers and added a new patrol officer.
Commander Fran Marrocco was promoted to deputy police chief, Sgt. Timothy Griffin was promoted to commander, patrol Officer Jennifer Wilk was promoted to sergeant, and Matthew Pinckney was added as a probationary police officer.
Wilk is the first female sergeant in the department’s history.
“As you all know, police work is a 24/7 operation,” police Chief Tim Contois said during a short ceremony Sept. 23. “While it often seems like I’m working around the clock, I rarely get the chance to see our staff gathered in one room. So tonight I’m going to take the opportunity to say something I don’t say nearly enough — thank you.”
Marrocco started as a patrol officer with the department in 2006. He since has been promoted to detective, officer in charge, patrol sergeant, and commander. He holds a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
Griffin began service in 2012 and has held the ranks of patrol officer, detective, officer in charge and patrol sergeant, and also holds a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
Wilk began her career with the department in 2007, first as a patrol officer and then as an officer in charge. She was instrumental in launching the department’s Evidence Technician Program, officials said.
Pinckney was hired in July of 2024 but has now completed his training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University and currently works on the afternoon shift.
Griffin was upbeat about becoming commander.
“I’m excited and ready for the new role,” Griffin said. “Consider the great progress we’ve made here in the department.”
Chief Contois said Pinckney’s hire brings the department closer to being fully staffed.
“Currently we are one officer down, anticipating the hiring of an officer for the January police academy,” he said.
Many police departments have had trouble attracting officers in the last half-decade, he said. While his department has some flexibility to recruit officers from other departments if needed, it has yet to do so.
“All recent new hires have been recruits,” he said.
And Contois stressed the benefits of retaining and training homegrown talent.
“Internal advancement builds a pipeline of future leaders who are deeply familiar with our values, operations, community operations and expectations,” he said. “It also reinforces retention, as staff are more likely to remain engaged and committed when they see a clear path for growth and recognition.
“Equally important, promoting from within allows us to maintain continuity in the level of service we provide. Our community deserves consistency, professionalism, and trust. Internal promotions help us deliver that without disruption.”
The next La Grange Park Village Board meeting will be 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14, in the Village Boardroom, 447 N. Catherine Ave.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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