Officers Sworn In, PFFD Award Funds to Assist Aspiring Firefighters

Newly sworn-in Officer Luis Ibarra signs his oath before Village Clerk Sheila McGann — Newly sworn-in Park Forest Police Officer Luis Ibarra signs his oath before Village Clerk Sheila McGann. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- At Tuesday’s meeting of the Village Board, Police Officers Kristopher Dlugopolski and Luis Ibarra took the Oath of Office. Firefighters also presented a fundraising check to the Village to assist three Rich East High School graduates to afford books and educational materials as they advance their dream to one day join the Park Forest Fire Department.

The three young men, Kyle Young, Marshon Baines, and David Palmer, were on hand and were recognized by the mayor and the board.

Kyle Young, Marshon Baines, David Palmer — Kyle Young raises his hand when recognized at Monday’s Village Board meeting. He, with Marshon Baines (center) and David Palmer, are the first recipients of financial assistance toward their education, thanks to fundraising by the PFFD, to help them become members of the Fire Dept. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

“We remind the public that the first part of our oath is to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Illinois, protections in place to ensure the rights of all citizens,” police said in a statement congratulating the new officers. “Yes, our role is to enforce the law but to do so within the framework of deliberate protections that we take seriously.”

Both officers had family members in the audience and both had their badges pinned by their fathers.

“Congratulations, Officer Dlugopolski and Officer Ibarra, and welcome to the Park Forest family!” Police said in the statement. “If you’re interested in joining these two new officers in serving in Park Forest, we are accepting applications!”

http://vopf.com/policecareers

https://youtu.be/9gwwtQsLjCA

Video is uploading and processing.

[new_royalslider id=”30″]