ELGIN OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR HONORED
Elgin police detective Paul Dublinski and Elgin fire Lt. Lieutenant Pat Rasmussen were named police officer and firefighter of the year by American Legion Post 57.
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley lauded Dublinski in a social media post, saying, “Paul approaches each assigned case with professionalism and thoroughness in a calm, thoughtful and very detail-oriented manner, displaying excellence in all he does.
“He also takes the time to teach the next generation of police officers on how to conduct traffic crash investigations, DUI investigations and how to also conduct traffic stops.”
According to the fire department, Rasmussen has served as an instructor in its training division since 2016, and in 2023 was promoted to lead instructor for multicompany training, coordinating monthly training efforts.
As a founding member of the department’s peer support team, he dedicated six years to helping members navigate on- and off-the-job stress, the fire department said. He’s also coordinated the department’s annual report since 2014.
KANE PRESENTING MENTAL HEALTH WEBINARS IN MAY
The Kane County Health Department is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in May with two free webinars focused on behavioral health and aging-related services.
Both aim to increase awareness, reduce stigma and connect community members, providers and caregivers with information and resources, according to a news release.
“Double Jeopardy: Addressing Substance Use Disorder and Problem Gambling” will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 18. A Zoom link can be obtained by going to us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1AuDA4LsQg2YltdP6o2hTw#/registration.
The second webinar, “An Overview of Aging and Aging Services,” will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, May 29. Register for the Zoom link at us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bIaFWrOmQ36hiofTvC4dsw#/registration.
Residents, businesses and organizations are also invited to participate in the department’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline awareness campaign by picking up a 988 yard sign at the county office at 2170 Point Blvd. in Elgin. The signs promote the free, confidential crisis support available by calling or texting 988.
For more mental health resources, go to www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Behavioral-Health.aspx.
ELGIN POLICE WALK AND TALKS TO BE HELD IN MAY, JUNE
Elgin Police Department’s Walk and Talk program will visit several neighborhoods this month and next to give residents a chance to speak with officers and discuss local concerns.
The next neighborhood visit is set for noon Monday, May 18, in the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Maple Lane, a social media post said.
Other walks will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 21, starting at Morgan Street and Lindberg Court; 10 a.m. Monday, June 1, in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Century Oaks Drive and the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Braeburn Drive; and 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 3 at Lawrence and McClure avenues.
For updates, check the Elgin Police Department Facebook page. For more information, call 847-289-2700.
ELGIN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES ANNOUNCED
The 2025-26 class of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy has completed a 10-month Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce program designed to provide insight into different aspects of the local community.
Members of this year’s graduating class are Crissy Barnat, Gail Borden Public Library District; Kristin Berggren, Centro De Información; Vivian Bocage, Rieke Interiors; John Gieske, Village Bank & Trust; Sandra Gonzalez, Elgin Community College; Yvette Gonzalez-Collins, School District U-46; Jose Hurtado, Hines & Associates; Also, Daniel Meyers, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras.
Also, Leslie Nathan, Community Crisis Center; Jeffrey Otte, JAO Consulting LLC; Mireya Perez, School District U-46; Sergio Perez, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick; Erin Ramirez, Real Change Studio; Allison Rodriguez, The Salvation Army; Myeshia Sanders, K’S Ultimate Vending; Janine Szerszen, Elgin Community College; Melanie Toth, Marklund; and Joel Yumba, Elgin Community College.
Since its inception in 1991, more than 550 people have completed the program, according to a news release.
