Police Officer of the Year Named

Last week the village board got a visit from the Officer Adam Arnold the Round Lake Police Department Employee of the Year for 2006. He left with an award and another bonus, a promotion he was next up on the Sergeants list for promotion to one of our vacancies!

What follows is Police Chief Cliff Metaxa's presentation of the award and Officer Arnold to the village board. (The picture from left to right is Chief Metaxa, Sergeant Arnold and Deputy Chief Francis Foy.)

Upon unanimous selection by the supervisors of the Round Lake Police Department, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Officer Adam Arnold as the Police Department’s Employee of the Year for the year of 2006.

Officer Arnold has distinguished himself with his performance on patrol where he made double the number of arrests than the second highest officer and with the DARE program where he has made such a positive impact on the community.

I am very proud to recognize you as the Round Lake Police Department’s Employee of the Year. We are here this evening, in part, to recognize the efforts of Officer Adam Arnold and by that recognition, promote him to a higher level of responsibility and authority. Part of this responsibility includes the ability to listen carefully, plan, delegate work assignments, correct mistakes, solve problems, make sound management decisions, coach, counsel and administer discipline.

Being a modern police manager in today’s environment is far from a simple task. Today’s law enforcement managers are constantly challenged to understand and effectively deal with many complex factors and trends.

Officer Arnold began his career with the Round Lake Police Department in April of 2004 as a police officer. Adam has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois and served four years in the United States Marine Corp. Adam became a state certified police officer in June of 2004. He is also a state certified Advanced Evidence Technician, a Narcotics Investigator, and completed NIPAS’ Critical Incident Response course.

Most people in the community know Adam as our DARE officer. Adam has done a fantastic job with the DARE program and has affected the lives of hundreds of children in our community. Adam lives in Lake Villa, Illinois with his wife Angie and their newborn twins Ryan and Emily.

Adam, in your newly appointed position, you will be challenged to:

• Make things happen.
• Set high standards for yourself and your subordinates.
• Protect and promote the mission of the police department.
• Set an example of quality leadership.

Accomplishing these goals should prove to be meaningful and rewarding, both personally and professionally. Adam, you have my full support and confidence.