Detective Matthew Bendler has been selected as the Gurnee police department’s 2020 Officer of the Year.
Bendler, who has served with GPD for more than 20 years, was formally recognized during a Gurnee Village Board meeting. Also recognized was traffic safety technician Earl Tuckman, who was honored as the 2020 GPD Civilian of the Year.
Bendler was nominated for, “being an invaluable resource and always willing to lend a hand.”
“Detective Bendler was the lead investigator on two critical incidents and coordinated resources, interviewed suspects, and gathered the necessary information and evidence to successfully close the cases,” GPD said.
Bendler joined the department in 2001, has been a patrol officer and is also an instructor for emergency vehicle operations, use of force and defensive tactics, rapid deployment and the Citizens Police Academy. He was named a detective in 2018. He has been recognized by the department several times and received the Medal of Valor.
Tuckman was cited for the many traffic safety projects he coordinates for the GPD that benefit the citizens of Gurnee. He joined GPD after retiring from the Kenilworth police department, where he served 24 years as an officer.
Honored again
In Waukegan, the Police Academy Alumni Association of WPD recognized Detective Christopher Harris with the group’s President’s Award.
It is the second consecutive year that Harris has been honored. He has been a WPD officer since 2016 and currently serves in the community crimes division.
“Throughout the years, Detective Harris has consistently shown his desire to help and serve the community for which he works, and it is evident in everything he does,” WPD said.
Also this week, Waukegan swore in 12 new officers who are joining the department’s rank. The ceremony recognizing the new officers took place Tuesday at the Genesee Theatre. During the same ceremony, Patrol Officer Adriana Cancino was formally promoted to her new rank as commander of police.
The new officers are Jobdamisel Sanson, Adriana Perez, Roberto Ruiz, Patrick Wilhelm, Idolina Luevanos, Austin Chamernik, Brandon Coulombe, Timothy Cramer, Israel Figueroa, Jose Aguirre, Jorge Santana, and Cristopher Bricco.
Discourage car break-ins
Two local law enforcement agencies are reminding residents that unlocked cars, especially ones where something of value is in plain sight, make easy and tempting targets for thieves.
The Lake County Forest Preserves ranger police said parking lots are often targets for thieves. The rangers offer these tips:
*Secure your valuables. When you arrive at a preserve or any parking area, be aware that someone may be watching you putting a purse or laptop under your car seats. Better to hide them completely out of sight or put items in the trunk or locked glovebox before you arrive, or take them with you.
* Keep your vehicle registration at home. Keep a copy in your car with your address blacked-out.
* Don’t attach personal information like your address to your key fob
* Don’t leave your mail in the car.
* Hide your garage door opener.
Antioch and Waukegan police remind people that the 9 p.m. routine can help you avoid becoming a crime victim. At 9 p.m., you should check your car to make sure it is locked and bring any valuables inside. Also, make sure your doors and windows are secured. Finally, turn on the exterior light.
Animals evacuated
The Gurnee fire department quickly extinguished a small fire Thursday outside the Petsmart on Grand Avenue.
Wooden pallets that were in an alley between the store and the adjacent Menard’s caught fire around 3 p.m., the GFD said.
There was no damage to the inside of the pet store, and staff evacuated all the animals as a precaution, the fire department said. The cause is under investigation, authorities said.
