News Details

Exchange Club To Name "Police Officer of the Year"

The Exchange Club of Aurora in association with the Aurora Police Department will once again name the “Police Officer of the Year” during a luncheon on May 15 at the Gaslite Manor, 2485 Church Road.

5 Aurora Police officers who displayed outstanding efforts during 2011 have been nominated for the annual award. This year’s nominees include:

• Special Operations Group Investigators Nick Gartner, Chris Converse, and Abel Villanueva whose actions resulted in attempted murder and other felony charges against four men in connection with a July 20 shooting.
• Investigator Robert Myint for establishing the needed resources to investigate the possession and trafficking of child pornography in Aurora. He also networked with child pornography investigators from other law enforcement agencies to gain knowledge and experience and eventually enlisted their assistance on cases being worked by Aurora Police.
• Officer Pedro “Pete” Rodriguez for his January, 2011 actions when he saved the lives of a group of teenagers who were being chased and fired at by another teen.

This year’s keynote speaker is Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon. The 11:30 a.m. luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $20 each and can be reserved by calling (630) 256-5008. The deadline to purchase tickets is 12 noon on May 10.

The event is held in conjunction with the City of Aurora’s annual observance of “National Police Week”. This year’s luncheon also coincides with “National Police Officers Memorial Day” which honors those officers nationwide who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Location: Gaslite Manor, 2485 Church Road, Aurora, Illinois

Contact: Exchange Club of Aurora, (630) 256-5008