Dupage Policy Journal

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Mazza introduced two new probationary police officers to city council at council's Jan. 3 meeting. They were both selected by the police and fire commission to fill vacancies within the force and will both begin their training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy on Jan. 9, with a position available to them upon completion of the academy.

Peter Rudelich, a lifelong resident of Batavia, graduated from Batavia High School in 2017 before earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish. He has a family legacy of law enforcement, with both his father and brother in law-enforcement positions.

Also appointed was Caleb Saxsma, who is from Cary Grove. He currently resides in the Chicago area. Saxsma has a degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University. He is also a veteran, serving in the Marine Corps from 2013-2017, when he served in both Iraq and Syria.

Mayor Jeffey Schielke welcomed the new officers.

“The mission of our police department and all others is changing almost daily with new challenges and new requests and requirements. And we need talented people like yourself in the street, in the squad cars and dealing with the public," Schielke said. "So thank you for choosing Batavia."