Winnebago Police Department - Illinois

05/28/2026

Great tips from our friends over at the Belvidere Police Department.

If You Become a Victim of the Grandparent Scam Please Do the Following:
• Contact your local police department immediately.
• Notify your bank or credit card company.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Report internet-related crimes to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
• Tell family members and friends so others can avoid becoming victims.

05/27/2026

Officer Jeff may have won the inflatable race, but chasing down Dr. Baker in a pig costume might have been a little too on the nose for a police officer… 🐷🚓😂

SRO Spelman gave it his best effort, but Dr. Baker made a successful escape this time around. We’re not saying the pig costume gave her extra speed, but we also can’t rule it out.

The pursuit finally came to an end after Dr. Baker took a dramatic tumble at the end — thankfully with plenty of laughs from everyone watching. We’re happy to report there were no injuries, no reports taken, and no citations issued to runaway pigs. 😂

Huge shoutout to the staff for always making the end of the school year so much fun for the students!

05/26/2026

Every year, as the school year comes to a close, the faculty and staff at Simon Elementary put it all on the line in their annual no-holds-barred, bragging-rights-on-the-line race to celebrate the end of another great school year.

There were competitors. There was determination. There was speed. There may have even been questionable levels of competitive spirit. 😆

When the dust settled, one name stood above the rest… SRO Spelman brought home the GOLD! 🥇🏃‍♂️💨

We are proud to report that after a hard-fought competition, SRO Spelman secured ultimate bragging rights until next year. Rumor has it some staff members are already planning their offseason training programs. 👀💪

Congratulations to SRO Spelman and all of the amazing staff at Winnebago Community Unit School District 323 on another successful school year. Have a safe, fun, and well-deserved summer break! ☀️🎉

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today is a day of remembrance.

We honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country and reflect on the sacrifices made by them and their families.

While many gather with loved ones today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Their courage shaped our freedoms.
Their sacrifice will always be remembered.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Pecatonica Memorial Day parade this afternoon.

05/17/2026

This week, during EMS Week, we want to recognize the paramedics and EMTs of Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District for the incredible work they do behind the scenes and on the front lines every day.

From life-threatening emergencies to everyday medical calls, EMS personnel are often there on someone’s worst day — bringing care, calm, and professionalism when it matters most. Their ability to respond quickly, make critical decisions under pressure, and care for those in need is something that deserves recognition not just this week, but every day.

We are proud to work alongside them and appreciate the dedication they show to the communities we all serve.

Happy EMS Week, and thank you for all that you do.

Celebrating EMS Week 2026

EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the EMS professionals who serve our community with compassion, skill, and dedication every day. Throughout the week, our department will be highlighting themes including wellness, education, safety, pediatric care, lifesaving skills, recognition, and remembrance.

Thank you to all EMS providers for the work you do behind the scenes and on the front lines to care for our community 24/7

05/15/2026

Today, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, dedication, and selfless service will never be forgotten.

This week, members of our department were proud to represent our community at both regional memorial services and national events in Washington, D.C., joining agencies from across the country in remembrance of the fallen and support of the families and survivors who carry their legacy forward. During the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the United States Capitol, Vice President JD Vance addressed those in attendance, speaking about the sacrifice, service, and commitment of law enforcement officers across our nation.

No matter the distance or the badge worn, one message echoed throughout the week — “Never Let Them Walk Alone.” We stand together in remembrance, in honor, and in commitment to ensuring the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten.

Please join us in remembering all fallen officers and keeping their families, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts today.

05/15/2026

As part of National Police Week, the Northern Illinois Police Memorial Week Community Interaction event will be taking place this weekend at CherryVale Mall, May 15–17, 2026.

This free community event gives residents an opportunity to meet officers and public safety personnel from agencies throughout Northern Illinois while learning more about the equipment, training, and specialized units that help keep our communities safe.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
• K9 demonstrations
• Bomb robot demonstrations
• Drone demonstrations
• Squad car displays
• Birds of prey presentation
• Child fingerprinting/ID program
• Face painting and family-friendly activities
• Chief’s Day and community awards ceremony

Events will be held throughout the weekend, with activities scheduled Friday through Sunday inside the mall’s Center Court area.

We encourage everyone to stop out, meet members of local law enforcement and public safety agencies, and take part in this great community event recognizing National Police Week.

05/14/2026

Last night, thousands gathered in Washington, DC for the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial as part of National Police Week.

The Candlelight Vigil is one of the most meaningful traditions of National Police Week, bringing together law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters from across the country to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. During the ceremony, the names of fallen officers newly added to the memorial are formally recognized, ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

While the vigil may take place in our nation’s capital, its meaning reaches communities across the country — including ours. It serves as a reminder of the dedication, courage, and commitment shown by law enforcement officers every day, as well as the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones.

A member of our department was in attendance this year, assisting with directing volunteers, visitors, survivors, and honor guard members throughout the event. Although rain shortened the conclusion of the vigil, it was still an honor to be part of such a meaningful event and an opportunity to give back to those who have sacrificed so much. 🕯️🇺🇸

05/12/2026

We are aware that we have recently been tagged in several social media posts regarding an incident circulating online. We would like to clarify that the incident in question did NOT occur within the Village of Winnebago, Illinois, and no members of our department were involved or present on the scene.

Most of our followers know, but some don’t, the Village of Winnebago is a community located within Winnebago County, just west of Rockford - that is three separate law enforcement agencies (village, county and city). Because multiple communities and agencies across the country share the name “Winnebago,” it is important to verify which department or location is actually involved before sharing or tagging information online.

As a reminder, the Village of Winnebago Police Department is a small agency made up of eight officers serving a community of approximately 3,000 residents. While we are often confused with other agencies, our department patch is unique and easily identifiable.

Posting accurate information helps prevent confusion, misinformation, and unnecessary concern within our community. We respectfully ask everyone to take a moment to confirm sources and agency names before sharing posts related to law enforcement incidents.

We appreciate the community members who reached out seeking clarification, and we thank our residents for their continued support and trust.

05/11/2026

National Police Week is observed each year to honor the men and women in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while also recognizing the service and dedication of officers who continue to protect and serve our communities every day.

Established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, Police Week serves as a time of remembrance, reflection, and appreciation for those who wear the badge. It is also an opportunity to recognize the important partnerships between law enforcement and the communities we proudly serve.

This week, we remember the fallen, support the families they left behind, and thank all law enforcement professionals for their commitment, courage, and sacrifice.

Throughout the week, there will be several local and national events recognizing Police Week that we will be sharing with our community. We are also proud to have one of our officers in Washington, D.C. participating in the National Police Week events alongside law enforcement officers from across the country. Photos and highlights from the week will be shared on our page.

From all of us at the Village of Winnebago Police Department, thank you to our community for your continued support and trust as we work together to keep Winnebago a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. 💙