When Police Officer Hugo Robles patrols Lindenhurst during the rest of the year, he will be wearing a pin on his uniform identifying him as the village’s 2014 Officer of the Year.
During Monday’s Village Board meeting, the 11-year veteran of the Lindenhurst force was presented a plaque by Mayor Susan Lahr and Police Chief Kevin Klahs.
“I’m honored and humbled by this award,” Robles said.
Each year, Lindenhurst police supervisors select and recognize an officer that has reflected the department’s mission to serve and protect the community, Cmdr. George Moravec said.
“Officer Robles is always going well above and beyond and has represented the Police Department in a great light,” Moravec said. “This year all three commanders picked Hugo Robles, hands down.”
One of Robles’ extra efforts in the community was organizing a bicycle safety program last summer.
Children who were seen riding safely around the village were approached by police officers on patrol and handed a voucher for ice cream at a local business.
Robles explained that recognizing the kids who were obeying bike laws would encourage more children to follow suit and become more knowledgeable about the safety rules.
“I think this is a fun way for the kids and the parents to interact with police officers,” said Robles, who plans to expand the effort this year to also include scooter and skateboard safety.
Another component of the bicycle safety program was getting local businesses to donate money to purchase bikes for children who don’t have one.
“We were able to give away four bikes to kids who were referred,” Robles said.
This year, the goal is to double the community support and give away eight bikes.
Moravec said Robles is maturing in his position and often gives of his own time to attend and contribute to committee meetings.
“He’s a fun-loving individual who helps everybody out and is well-liked by his fellow officers,” Moravec said of Robles.
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