At 24, Andrew Bialek became one of the youngest officers in the Lincolnwood Police Department when he was hired by the Board of Fire and Police Commission in July.
The Chicago native worked security for the Chicago Cubs and spent the past year as a security officer at Lincolnwood Town Center before joining the Lincolnwood Police Department this summer.
Bialek, described by Police Chief Bob LaMantia as “assertive, caring, motivated, and professional” shared a little bit about himself with Pioneer Press.
A graduate of both University of Illinois at Chicago and Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Bialek will finish a 12-week police officer training program at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in Glen Ellyn before he hits the streets of Lincolnwood as a police officer this fall.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Chicago. I have lived on the northwest side of the city my whole life.
Q: When did you decide to pursue a career in law enforcement?
A: Toward the end of high school. I started testing for departments about three years ago after I graduated from UIC and was very fortunate when Lincolnwood offered me a position.
Q: Were there any experiences in your life that drove your passion to become a police officer?
A: I was raised in a very community-based environment, and I’m passionate about being able to give back to a community very similar to the one I was raised in.
Q: Do you have family members in law enforcement who inspired your career path?
A: I will be the first person in my family to become a police officer. My family and I are very proud about that fact.
Q: What was the most interesting thing you experienced while working security for the Cubs? At Lincolnwood Town Center?
A: Both jobs provided me with plenty of stories as well as awesome experiences. Wrigley Field is one of my favorite places in the city and it was a dream to be able to work there during baseball seasons.
Lincolnwood Town Center was great because it really gave me a good sense of how Lincolnwood is as a community. It also provided me with the opportunity to work closely with the police department that I am now going to be a part of.
Q: What inspired you to pursue your first job as a police officer in Lincolnwood?
A: I grew up very close to Lincolnwood so I am familiar with the area. I feel I have a personal connection with the village and am excited to work in it.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you had been hired as a police officer?
A: I was overjoyed. It was a long process for me and it felt great to finally be accepted to a police department—especially one I’m familiar with. I am very excited to start working as a police officer in Lincolnwood. So far the community has welcomed me so I want to show them what I have to offer as well as serve the community to the best of my ability.
Q: What do you do for fun in your free time?
A: I enjoy working on my car, snowboarding during the winter, going up to the lake during the summer and even taking the occasional nap when I get the chance.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: My family and I had a golden retriever that recently passed named Bailey. He was 13 1/2 years old and the happiest dog you would have ever met.
Q: Any favorite sports teams?
A: My favorite sports teams are the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs.
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
