Dupage Policy Journal

During the its meeting on Feb. 21, the Carol Stream Village Board recognized some changes in the village police department.

The board welcomed in new officer Justin Wells, who recently joined the department. It also mourned the loss of Officer Dan Stafiej, who recently passed away after a long illness.

"Dan was really special, not only to the Carol Street Police Department, but to the village of Carol Stream for a lot of different reasons," Trustee Mary Frusalone said in the meeting. "He was a lot more than just a police officer. He went well above and beyond the call of duty to really try and help people."

The board began the meeting with a moment of silence and allowed several council members and staff to share some stories about the officer. Stafiej was an officer in the Carol Stream Police Department for 16 years, becoming a well-known traffic officer and law enforcement instructor to younger officers. He said he loved being a cop because it allowed him to help others on a regular basis. The department honored him at his funeral, his legacy extending into all law enforcement throughout the state. He won too many awards and recognitions throughout his career to count, and will be sorely missed.

"I personally know people that he got into treatment programs and probably saved their lives by arresting them," Frusalone said. "It was not unusual for Dan to make friends with the people that he ultimately arrested and saved. He believed a lot in everyone has good in them and he was going to find the best in anybody, and he could bring out the best in anybody."

In happier business, Wells took his oath of office in front of the council. Police Chief William Holmer introduced the new officer, who transferred to Carol Stream from the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Wells was born in St. Louis, grew up in southern Illinois, and eventually moved to Tennessee, Holmer said. He is a member of the Illinois Air National Guard. Holmer noted that Wells and his wife moved back to the area to be closer to family, as they are expecting their first child this spring. Wells' wife was able to pin his new badge on him before he was sworn in. Wells then introduced himself to the council, thanking them and the police department for the opportunity to serve and protect the community.