Elmwood Park Police

05/15/2026

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This was done to honor those federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty.
Since 1914, the officers of Elmwood Park have pledged to preserve, protect, and defend our community and the Constitution. Two courageous individuals affirmed this oath with their lives. As we honor these heroes, we recognize that their sacrifice was not in vain and their legacy remains a powerful teacher and a source of inspiration for all who wear the badge today.

These Two Elmwood Park Officers, Chief Emil Johnson, (end of watch October 5, 1924), and Motorcycle Patrolman Nels M. Christy, (end of watch July 2, 1930), made the ultimate sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty.

On October 4th, 1924, Emil Johnson crashed his motorcycle into an automobile as he was chasing a speeding motorist. Nels Christy, who was at the time a private citizen, was with Emil Johnson and was seriously injured from the crash. Tragically, the following day Emil Johnson passed away from his injuries.

Four years after the loss of Emil Johnson, Nels Christy was appointed as a motorcycle patrolman in 1928. Tragedy struck again on July 2, 1930, at the intersection of 77th Avenue and Diversey. Officer Christy was killed in the line of duty when a plumbing truck failed to yield at a stop sign, resulting in a fatal collision with his motorcycle.

In the early 1990’s, approximately sixty years after his death, Nels Christy’s name was submitted, approved, and finally engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial wall in Washington DC. In 2016, over ninety-one years after his death, Emil Johnson’s name was submitted, approved, and now joins Nels Christy’s name on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial wall.

Ten years ago on May 15th, 2016, we unveiled a tribute to bravery. The Elmwood Park Police Memorial remains a place for reflection to mourn our fallen heroes, stand with their families, and offer thanks to the officers who risk everything for our safety.

Thank you to all that came out today in support of Law Enforcement and the Elmwood Park Police Department!

Sincerely,
Chief Andrew Hock

Please click the link below to see the memorial's dedication ceremony.
https://youtu.be/H3HtKb2r6TY See less

05/15/2026

Join members of the Elmwood Park Police Department at the Elmwood Park Dunkin Donuts, (7201 W. Grand Avenue), today from 5am to Noon!

The Cop on a Rooftop is an annual fundraising event organized by Special Olympics Illinois in partnership with local law enforcement.

05/14/2026

Join members of the Elmwood Park Police Department at the Public Safety Building, (7420 W. Fullerton Avenue), tomorrow, May 15th at 10am for the Tenth Anniversary of the Elmwood Park Police Memorial!

05/14/2026

Join members of the Elmwood Park Police Department at the Elmwood Park Dunkin Donuts, (7201 W. Grand Avenue), this Friday from 5am to Noon!

The Cop on a Rooftop is an annual fundraising event organized by Special Olympics Illinois in partnership with local law enforcement.

In 2026, Dunkin’ celebrates the 23rd anniversary of its partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois, a collaboration that has raised nearly $10 million over the years. During the event, police officers will be at the Elmwood Park Dunkin’ location to connect with community members and encourage donations in support of Special Olympics Illinois.

04/29/2026

2026 Elmwood Park Police Neighborhood Watch Meeting Dates!

04/23/2026

04/08/2026

Commander David Ransom,

For over 100 years, the Elmwood Park Police Department has served this community with a sole mission – to serve and protect the residents of Elmwood Park with professionalism and dedication. Committed to the highest of values, Elmwood Park Police Department strives to be a place of enduring quality and strength.

On behalf of the Elmwood Park Police Department we acknowledge and appreciate that the foundation of our success is built upon you and your commitment to this department.

Congratulations to you on your twenty (20) Years of Service! You have reached an important milestone at the Elmwood Park Police Department and we thank you for the many years of service and dedication to making our department the best it can be every day.
Thank you for being such a valuable member of our team and wishing you the best for continued success.

Sincerely,
Andrew J. Hock
Chief of Police
Elmwood Park Police Department

04/07/2026

On April 6, 2026 we recognized an individual who has not only served the Village of Elmwood Park and the Elmwood Park Police Department but has done so with a level of dignity and professionalism that defines the very best of public service.

That individual is Commander Michael Kmiecik.

On March 31, 1996, Mike Kmiecik took an oath to protect and serve this community. Over the last thirty years, he has done far more than just fulfill that promise; he has lived it. Rising steadily through the ranks to his current role as Administrative Commander, his career has been a masterclass in evolution and leadership.

While his contributions are vast, Commander Kmiecik’s legacy is perhaps most deeply felt in two critical areas, Tactical Training and School safety. He spearheaded initiatives that elevated our department’s preparedness, ensuring our officers are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary for modern policing.

Commander Kmiecik’s unwavering loyalty to this department and your profound dedication to the residents of Elmwood Park have left an indelible mark.

On behalf of the entire Village, we thank you for your service.
Chief Andrew Hock

04/01/2026

West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association

Administrative Assistant Recognition Luncheon,
Gibsons Restaurant, Oak Brook, IL